Two months after COVID-19 outbreak, I-League to resume in March: AIFF

By
Triyasha Chatterjee
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I-League 2021-22 is set to resume from March 3rd after a substantial dip in the amount of Covid cases in Kolkata. The teams have been informed to join the bio-bubble as early as February 20th. However, at the same time, teams like Mohammedan SC have already started with their pre-season. The tournament has been announced to conclude on May 15. 

We had stopped the league initially as we wanted to ensure the safety of the players and officials involved, and did not want COVID-19 to spread,” said AIFF Leagues CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar. 

 

“Now, after getting the clearance from the relevant authorities and a go-ahead from Dr. Harsh Mahajan, we feel that with the positivity rates going down, this is the best time to restart the season.”

 

“I have been in touch with all the clubs, and they have all expressed their excitement, and are looking forward to the restart,” he added.

 

At the same time, all the team players and the officials have to produce three negative RT PCR tests before they could join the bubble. Nevertheless, in an official statement, AIFF announced that there will be no change in the format of the tournament. 

 

There will be no change in format for the Hero I-League, with the 13 teams to play against each other once in a round-robin format, in the first round. Once the first round is over, the teams will be divided into two groups – Group A will consist of the top seven teams that will fight for the championship title, while Group B will consist of the bottom six teams that will be embroiled in a relegation battle. Each club will play their opponents in their respective groups once in a round-robin format, in the second round.

 

The matches are set to be played across- Naihati Stadium, Kalyani Stadium along with Mohun Bagan ground keeping in mind all the Covid safety protocols. However, the revised schedule is yet to be released. 

 

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