I-League likely to be postponed by one month, to start in December: CEO

2020-21 Indian football season is inching closer with I-League Qualifiers and Indian Super League set to begin in days' and weeks' time. I-League was also planned for next month, however, season is w likely to be postponed to December as clubs are finding it difficult to begin pre-season training due to COVID-19 pandemic. 

Speaking about decision, I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said to media: “We had a meeting with club owners. Many of m said situation in some parts of country is still grim and it has been impossible to start pre-season training. arrival of foreign players has also been a problem.” Dhar said clubs want to begin season in December and finish in March.

decision to finalize dates will be taken once AIFF discusses matter with Bengal Association (IFA) and state government before coming to a conclusion. 

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I-League CEO Sunando Dhar discusses bio-bubble protocol 

Speaking about bio-bubble and protocols, I-League CEO discussed with AIFF media how y plan to go about it: "We are learning every day about life in bio-secure bubble and we want to take experience to I-League. This qualifying round is just for a few days but I-League and ISL will run more than 100 days and so will be of much bigger scale." 

11-team I-League will be played for over three months and with clubs yet to starting ir training and in two minds over foreign signings, I-League season may be pushed to last week of December.

Also Read | I-League Qualifier 2020 Schedule, Fixtures List And Or Updates

Talking about safety measures put in place by league in bio-secure bubble for I-League qualifying tournament, Sunando Dhar elaborated by saying that only those players and officials who reported two negative results in RT-PCR tests will be allowed entry into bio-secure hotel and will, for four days, remain inside ir hotels.

On fourth day, y will be tested and those who turn out to be negative will be allowed to use gym and begin practice sessions. re will be tests every five days after that. Those who test positive will be immediately quarantined in a separate area of hotel and will have contact with ors. 

I-league is also testing hotel staff, like those serving food, laundry, check-in persons, helpers, bus drivers, ambulance personnel, stretcher-bearers and everyone who is bound to come in close contact with players and officials, including AIFF personnel. 

Also Read | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Crowned AIFF Player Of Year, First GK Since Subrata Paul To Win

Three leagues postponed 

youth league will t be held this season as it is t possible to logistically create a bio-bubble with 300 teams. In addition to youth league,  Indian Women’s League (IWL) will also likely be postponed from January to May 2021. In addition, inaugural Futsal League was planned to be std in Shillong as season opener, but has been postponed and is w slotted for May-June of 2021.

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Im credits: Hero I League Twitter