New Delhi, February 13, 2026 – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially rebranded the I-League as the Indian Football League (IFL), effective from the 2025-26 season, marking a fresh identity for India’s second-tier club football competition.
The decision was approved by the AIFF Executive Committee during an online meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The league, which was paused amid uncertainties related to the Indian Super League (ISL) last year, is now set to resume with a truncated format on February 21, 2026.
The rebranding comes after club owners and the AIFF agreed on the new name to reflect a renewed vision for the competition. The 2025-26 season will feature 11 clubs, including Gokulam Kerala, Namdhari, Rajasthan United, Diamond Harbour, Real Kashmir, and Shillong Lajong, in a single-leg home-and-away format with all points from the initial stage carrying over.
The move follows the resolution of ISL-related issues, with the top-tier league restarting on February 14, 2026. The AIFF described the rebranding as a step towards modernizing governance and boosting competitiveness in the second division.
The Indian Football League aims to provide a stronger platform for clubs outside the ISL ecosystem, promoting talent development and regional representation. The new identity is expected to enhance visibility and attract more sponsors and fans.
This development is particularly significant for Northeast football, including Sikkim, where clubs have long contributed to the league’s legacy. The season kick-off on February 21 will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the competition.
