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The I-League's 11th season has just ended and we have our new champions of India in the form of Minerva Punjab. As the northern part of India goes into jubilation on this victory, there are traces of gloom in the west. Two-time I-League winners, Churchill Brothers have been relegated owing up to their disastrous 2017-18 campaign as they finished 9th above the developmental side, Indian Arrows, with just 17 points from 18 games.
Although it is understood that Churchill Brothers have been relegated to the 2nd Division I-League, we might just see them make a return to the top division (assuming that I-League remains the top division in the country).
According to reports, the Churchill Brothers management has written to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) about reinstating them to the I-League, despite the fact that they got relegated.
They have stated two main reasons, as to why their reinstatement to the top division needs to be reconsidered. Firstly, they argued that certain crucial refereeing decisions that did not go their way at crucial junctures have led to their relegation. The second reason that they reportedly gave was that Churchill's exclusion from the I-League could turn out to be detrimental to Goan football, as they are the only team from the top flight in the top division.
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das explained that although Churchill have been relegated there are still some special circumstances. He cited the example of Aizawl FC, who were relegated in the 2015/16 season, but were reinstated to the top division next year, and went on to win the league.
"See, in case of Aizawl, this was done for a specific reason. The number of teams in the I-League had dropped. It's basically a case-to-case thing. It may not be applicable all the time," he said.
He further stated that the I-League committee had taken into consideration the popularity of the club in the city.
"The league committee also felt, in case of Aizawl, that this was a new venue that was attracting a lot of spectators. The quota for the number of teams was also not being met that season. That's why they took the decision," said Das.
Several I-League teams like Minerva Punjab, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have shown interest in jumping ship to the cash-rich Indian Super League, just like Bengaluru FC did. This could, in fact, open up vacancies in the I-League, allowing Churchill a route back to the competition.
Also, in the eleven editions of the I-League, sides from Goa have won it six times. However, disappointing performances in the last few years have resulted in just one team from Goa participating in the top division.
Owing to Goa's long history of football culture and success of its clubs, it has rightfully earned the title of one of India's football hotbeds. AIFF may look at the above narrative to reinstate Churchill Brothers in order to let the Goan fans experience the I-League.
