The All India Football Federation (AIFF) unveiled significant changes to the domestic football calendar for the 2024-25 season. These announcements were shared via the official Indian Football Team handle on X (formerly Twitter). Departing from tradition, the season is set to kick off with the Durand Cup from 26July, marking an early start compared to previous years. The tournament will run through the entire month ith final on 31st August.
In a move aimed at nurturing young talent nationwide, the AIFF has allocated a nine-month window for the AIFF Youth Leagues, covering the U13, U15, and U17 categories. This initiative underscores the federation’s commitment to developing grassroots football across India.
One of the most notable changes is the decision to concurrently run the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and Super Cup starting from the upcoming season. This strategic adjustment aims to streamline the football calendar, ensuring a continuous flow of top-tier football action. The Super Cup or the Federation cup will start from 1st of October and will run till 15th of May. Alongside, the I-League will run from 19th October to April 2025.
Moreover, the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 1 is set to receive a significant boost with a six-month window dedicated to the competition starting from the 25th of October. This extended duration provides female footballers with increased opportunities to showcase their talents at the highest level.
Discussions surrounding relegation and promotion between IWL 1 and 2 hint at further structural enhancements, reflecting the growing emphasis on bolstering the women’s football ecosystem in India.
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