Latest news with #I-League
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Lalbiaknia takes the ISL leap with Highlanders
After ensuring that last season's ISL topscorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie stays on with them for another year, NorthEast United FC , on Sunday, announced the addition of more firepower to their attack by the signing of young Indian striker, Lalrinzuala Labiaknia. Lalbiaknia, who grabbed the spotlight in the 2023-24 season by breaking the record of most goals in an I-League season held by Sunil Chhetri and Mohammed Rafi with a tally of 15 goals, saw his contract with Aizawl FC expire after the 2024-25. However, it was the natural progression for one of the most exciting striking talents in the country to move into the top-tier Indian Super League after a brilliant journey in I-League with Aizawl FC — scoring another 12 goals for the Mizoram club during the last season. And the Mizo youngster was glad to have made his first stride in ISL with the club that represents the northeast. "I come from this region, so joining NorthEast United FC is a truly proud moment for me. When I heard about the offer, I instantly knew this was where I wanted to be," Lalrinzuala said. "Playing in ISL will be a new challenge, but I'm ready to give my best, score goals, and contribute to the team's success. I'm excited for this journey, and I believe we can achieve great things together." Head coach Juan Pedro Benali, who held the reins in a brilliant season for the Highlanders and one where they added their first silverware with the Durand Cup, was also excited to enhance the dynamism upfront with the inclusion of the 23-year-old striker. "We are delighted to welcome Lalrinzuala to the team," the coach said in a club statement. "He is a young Indian striker who brings a different profile to our attack with good instincts in the box. He has proved himself with consistency, and I believe he has the potential to grow immensely with us." NEUFC have been at work on strengthening their squad for the next season with the contract renewal by two years of defender Dinesh Singh and midfielder Fredy Chawngthansanga, apart from the staying back of their Moroccan star Ajaraie.
India Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
AIFF puts I-League relegation on hold amid Delhi FC, SC Bnegaluru protests
The relegation script for the 2024–25 I-League has been momentarily torn up, with Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru earning a temporary stay from demotion. The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeals Committee has decided to hold off on relegation until both clubs' challenges to their drop are fully verdict offers a significant lifeline to the two teams that wrapped up the season at the bottom of the league standings. But both sides believe there's more to their stories than just results on Club Bengaluru has questioned the legitimacy of their fall, arguing that an opponent—Namdhari FC—fielded an ineligible player in a key match. According to their lawyers, this breach wasn't adequately addressed by the federation's disciplinary wing. The club has also leaned on constitutional grounds, arguing that relegation carries adverse consequences and cannot be imposed without robust procedural safeguards. Delhi FC, meanwhile, has taken aim at what they see as inconsistency in how AIFF applies relegation rules. Pointing to previous seasons where relegation was waived under special circumstances, the club has challenged the process and fairness of this year's response, the AIFF Appeals Committee has decided to keep any relegation action "in abeyance" for now. The panel, led by retired Justice Rajesh Tandon, expressed concern over how swiftly the original decisions were taken and has asked the AIFF to present its objections within two behalf of AIFF, time has been sought for 2 days to file the objections however, the circumstances of the case warrant that any order passed for relegation shall remain in abeyance and shall not be acted upon till the final hearing of the present appeal itself," the order a new wrinkle to the case, the committee has also informed Aizawl FC—the team just above the drop zone—that they can join the proceedings if they wish. A reversal of the disciplinary decisions could impact Aizawl's league status as fresh relegation twist adds to an already chaotic 2025 I-League season, which recently saw a messy title dispute between Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi. Churchill were eventually declared champions and promoted to the ISL, but only after the Appeals Committee overturned a controversial disciplinary ruling that had briefly handed Kashi extra points over a player eligibility issue. With Inter Kashi now threatening to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, questions continue to mount over AIFF's handling of key decisions this season.A final decision on the relegation appeals is expected later this week at AIFF headquarters in Delhi. Regardless of the outcome, the unfolding saga is shaping up to be a landmark moment in how Indian football handles promotion, demotion - which is often considered crucial in a football setup
News18
7 days ago
- Sport
- News18
No Relegation From I-League 2024-25 As Delhi FC And SC Bengaluru Get Relief
Delhi FC and SC Bengaluru have been temporarily spared from I-League relegation by the AIFF's Appeal Committee, pending a final decision. Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru have been granted a temporary reprieve from relegation by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee, pending a final decision on their submissions against the AIFF's disciplinary panel ruling. Two interim orders, dated 24 May and obtained by PTI, show that both clubs contested the AIFF Disciplinary Committee's decisions to relegate them from the 2024-25 I-League season after they finished among the bottom two in the 12-team league. The Appeal Committee, chaired by Justice (Retd.) Rajesh Tandon and including members Ashok K Tripathi and Priyanka Mishra, noted that the circumstances necessitated keeping any relegation-related actions 'in abeyance" until the final hearing. 'On behalf of AIFF, time has been sought for 2 days to file the objections; however, the circumstances of the case warrant that any order passed for relegation shall remain in abeyance and shall not be acted upon till the final hearing of the present appeal itself," stated both orders. advetisement Sporting Club Bengaluru, in its appeal, argued that Namdhari FC fielded an 'ineligible player" during a match, a breach they claim entitles them to three points. Their advocate asserted that the Disciplinary Committee overlooked crucial provisions (Article 57 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code) and that relegation has penal consequences, infringing upon Article 19 of the Indian Constitution (protection of rights). If granted, this could alter the standings and potentially place Aizawl FC in the relegation zone. Delhi FC questioned the process and rationale behind their demotion, citing AIFF's own past precedents where relegation had been waived. Their legal counsel argued that relegation constitutes penal consequences, thus invoking Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. The Appeal Committee observed in both cases that the Disciplinary Committee seemed to have overlooked key aspects of the relegation process and noted the serious implications involved. The Committee also directed that a copy of the appeal documents be sent to Aizawl FC, allowing them the opportunity to join the proceedings if they wish. According to the official standings after the conclusion of the I-League last month, SC Bengaluru (21 points) and Delhi FC (14 points) finished in the last two spots — 11th and 12th respectively. The next hearing for both appeals is scheduled for Thursday at the AIFF office in New Delhi. (With inputs from PTI) First Published: May 28, 2025, 10:44 IST Latest News BJP's Manohar Dhakad Gets Bail For Lewd Act On Expressway, His Lawyer Says Video AI-Generated India Football No Relegation From I-League 2024-25 As Delhi FC And SC Bengaluru Get Relief India Interpol Issues Two Silver Notices On India's Request In Visa Fraud, Crypto Scam Cases Bollywood Jackie Shroff Brings Swag And Bhidu Power To Housefull 5 Trailer Launch Lifestyle COVID-19 In 2025: What We Know Now latest news
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
From OT to the big league: Edmund scripts a spine-chilling comeback
Edmund Lalrindika is now also the only player from the I-League to make it to Manolo Marquez's national team probables Panaji: Edmund Lalrindika remembers holding his teary-eyed sister's hand and telling her, from a hospital bed, not to worry. It was hours before he was to be wheeled into the operation theatre on March 7, 2022. A spine injury had put a question mark over the young striker's future, threatening to end a promising career that saw him captain India juniors. Two doctors that Edmund consulted over his injury told him he would never play football again. The third provided some hope. Football wasn't recommended, but he could try his hand at non-contact sports, 'probably badminton or tennis.' Despite the grim diagnosis from three top doctors, Edmund refused to give up. His life, and that of his near ones, depended on him cutting uncompromising defenders to size. Eighteen months later he was back on the field, and even though it only resulted in Bengaluru FC terminating his contract after a not-too-impressive campaign at the Durand Cup, his move to I-League debutants Inter Kashi in the second tier of Indian football changed everything. The Mizo ended as the club's top scorer, made heads turn with stunning goals in the I-League, trained with Atletico Ottawa, a leading team in the Canadian Premier League, and has now returned to the top-tier of Indian football with East Bengal paying Rs 1 crore, a record sum, for his transfer from Inter Kashi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The striker is now also the only player from the I-League to make it to Manolo Marquez's national team probables. 'Before the surgery, everyone was too tense,' Edmund told TOI recently. 'They knew what the doctors had said, but I told my sister, 'your brother will play football, and I will be my best version as a footballer. I am a Christian, I am a believer, and I had faith. It is this faith that helped me make a comeback.' Edmund, 26, said the signs of his injury were there during the 2021-22 season when he played through pain. 'I should have rested, but I kept going, thinking I'd get a chance (in a star-studded Bengaluru squad).' After a complicated surgery, it wasn't easy. For four months, Edmund was rooted to his bed, helpless. Then he started taking baby steps. It wasn't until a year later that he could jog a bit, then run. The dream of returning to competitive football still appeared far-fetched. Edmund didn't give up. Eighteen months later he returned to play for Bengaluru but it wasn't convincing enough. Parting of ways followed. 'I can understand why Bengaluru terminated the contract. I must thank the club. Although I didn't get enough chances because it's a big club, and I was very young, they provided me with the best facilities, the best rehab (for treatment) and the best doctors. If the club had not provided such support, I would have never made it,' said Edmund. After parting ways with Bengaluru, Edmund was on his own. Nobody wanted to touch him. Understandable for a player who had undergone spine surgery and looked a far cry from the player who was part of every junior India squad from the U-16s in 2013. When Inter Kashi presented him with another opportunity, he quickly grabbed it. The rest, as they say, is history. 'Injuries are part of football. As footballers, when you face such adversities, you need to be tough. My mentality was strong. I always had faith in God and that helped me a lot. When you are down, hit rock bottom, it's important to get up. My understanding about life is now much better than what it was before (surgery). I can deal with anything,' said Edmund. He's a much better footballer too. Across four previous seasons in the Indian Super League (ISL), his numbers made for poor reading: five appearances in 2018-19 was the best he could manage. For the next three, he played two minutes one year, 14 minutes the next and 106 minutes over three appearances the year he got injured. With Inter Kashi, he was the first name on the coach's team list, playing every game. Now he's keen to prove himself in the top tier too with East Bengal, and of course the national team, where he is no stranger to the India jersey 'I am not new to East Bengal. I've played there before but got injured. I always wanted to come back; it's one of the biggest clubs in India. Even with the national team, I know I can do better. There are many players who have played alongside me (during junior days). I always believed that I could catch up with them. They've been my teammates before. I believe I can be there (on top) one day,' said Edmund.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
No time to relax for CD Salgaocar
After finishing third in Goa Pro League on debut, CD Salgaocar ensured qualification for next season's third division I-League Panaji: Clube de Salgaocar made heads turn on debut in the Goa Professional League . Having secured a direct corporate entry into the top tier of Goan football, the club stayed away from glamorous signings and handed the keys to a young Keenan Almeida . Not much was expected from the coach or the club in its first year, but the new entrants made a steady start and then finished strongly. CD Salgaocar secured the third spot behind champions Sporting Clube de Goa and Dempo SC , good enough for them to ensure qualification for next season's third division I-League , a significant achievement. 'We took one match at a time and set our goals as the season progressed,' Keenan told TOI. 'Any team at the start of the season targets for the title. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far As the season progresses, you start setting up achievable practical targets based on how the team is shaping up.' Keenan, a former international, did well for himself as a footballer, having donned colours for all the top clubs. The image of him running the length of Fatorda after scoring for FC Goa, arms stretched, his head bandaged, has stayed in the minds of fans for a long time. As coach though he was untested, yet Salgaocar kept faith in him, impressed with the goals that he sets for himself and the team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo If the first season results are any indication, they made the right choice. 'It was smooth sailing as the management put things in place in a very professional manner. When you have like-minded people around you, facing challenges becomes easy,' said the former FC Goa defender. The GPL now has 14 teams, so it was never going to be easy for the debutants, owned by industrialist Dattaraj Salgaocar , who co-owned Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa during its inception in 2014. Salgaocar still managed to win 12 of their 20 matches, drawing five and losing just three times. Having qualified for the third division I-League, Salgaocar will have to reboot for next season. The club and coach wants to retain the core and make additions which are good enough to test teams at the national level. Just two seasons ago, Dempo and Sporting Clube both started their comeback from I-League 3. While Dempo secured promotion to the I-League the following season, Sporting fell just short. 'Right from the start of the season, we focussed on setting up a culture at the club. Culture that values a hard-working attitude and a disciplined approach. This is just one step taken in the right direction. I would say now there is more work to be done. So, there is no time to relax, we keep working humbly towards the next challenges,' said Keenan.
