In a significant development for Indian football enthusiasts, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unveiled its competitions calendar for the upcoming 2024-25 season, promising a packed schedule of thrilling matches across various leagues and championships.
The eagerly anticipated season is set to kick off with the prestigious Durand Cup in late July, marking the beginning of an action-packed football extravaganza. Following closely on its heels, the Indian Super League (ISL) is scheduled to commence in mid-September, captivating fans with top-tier footballing talent. Not to be outdone, the I-League is primed to kick off in mid-October, offering a platform for budding talents and seasoned veterans alike to showcase their skills on the national stage. Meanwhile, the Indian Women’s League (IWL) is slated to start in late October, further bolstering the country’s commitment to promoting women’s football.
Adding to the excitement, I-League 2 and IWL 2 will unfold in January, providing an enthralling conclusion to the domestic football season. Simultaneously, the Super Cup will run alongside the league season from October to mid-May, ensuring non-stop footballing action for enthusiasts.
In a bid to nurture young talent, the AIFF Youth Leagues (U13/U15/U17) will span nine months from September to May, offering promising prospects an opportunity to hone their skills and compete at the highest level.
Additionally, the AIFF has outlined nomination criteria for Member Associations (MAs) to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for clubs participating in various competitions. MAs are required to conduct leagues meeting specific team and match criteria to nominate clubs for the IWL 2, I-League 3, AIFF Youth Leagues, and the Men’s Futsal Club Championship.
The AIFF’s commitment to grassroots development is evident with the inclusion of national state tournaments such as the Junior Boys and Girls National Football Championships, Sub-Junior Boys and Girls National Football Championships, as well as the Senior Women’s and Santosh Trophy Championships. Moreover, the calendar features exciting events such as the National Beach Soccer Championship and the Men’s Futsal Club Championship, highlighting the federation’s efforts to diversify footballing opportunities and promote alternative formats of the beautiful game.
With a meticulously crafted calendar and stringent nomination criteria in place, the AIFF is poised to elevate Indian football to new heights in the 2024-25 season, promising fans a thrilling spectacle of skill, passion, and competition.
The AIFF Competitions Calendar 2024-25:
Durand Cup: July 26 – August 31, 2024.
I-League 3: August 1 – September 30, 2024.
AIFF Youth Leagues (U13/U15/U17): September 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025.
Indian Super League: September 14, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
I-League: October 19, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
Indian Women’s League: October 25, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
IWL 2: January 25 – April 30, 2025.
I-League 2: January 15 – April 30, 2025.
Super Cup: October 1, 2024 – May 15, 2025.
Junior Boys National Football Championship Tier 1 and Tier 2: July 15 – July 31, 2024.
Junior Girls National Football Championship Tier 1 and Tier 2: July 15 – July 31, 2024.
Sub-Junior Boys National Football Championship Tier 1 and Tier 2: August 5 – August 31, 2024.
Sub-Junior Girls National Football Championship Tier 1 and Tier 2: August 5 – August 31, 2024.
29th Senior Women’s National Football Championship Group Stage: September 1 – September 15, 2024.
29th Senior Women’s National Football Championship Final Round: October 1 – October 15, 2024.
78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy Group Stage: November 5 – November 15, 2024.
78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy Final Round: December 1 – December 15, 2024.
National Beach Soccer Championship: February 1 – February 20, 2025.
AIFF Men’s Futsal Club Championship: May 1 – May 20, 2025.