State Association has sent a request to AIFF for an increase in Goan slots for I-League 3
Goa Football Association has requested AIFF to increase Goan slots for the I-League 3rd division to two, to include Sporting Club de Goa and Dempo SC. The increase in I-League 3 slots for the Goan Clubs will ensure places for the Goan Football giants. Sporting were the champions of the Goa Professional League 2022-23 whereas Dempo finished runners-up.
Their request shows the intent to create a place back for the Goan Giants in the National Football League system. However, the decision is yet to be taken by the AIFF.
Dempo SC returned to the Indian Football League system after 7 years, where they competed in I-League 2 in the 2022-23 season. The Golden Eagles managed to grab a spot in the first round of the I-League 2. But they missed a chance to get themselves back to the I-League. On the other hand, Sporting haven’t been in the National Football League system for a long period of time.
Both clubs withdrew from the I League 2016-17 season owing to strong objections to the proposed roadmap by the All Indian Football Federation and its marketing partners IMG-Reliance for Indian Football.
Dempo once were the strongest club in the country. The Golden Eagles won the National Football League two times and the I-League three times.
Dempo SC made 5 appearances in the AFC Cup and 2 appearances in the playoff round of the AFC Champion League. Sporting Club De Goa won the Goa Professional League and becomes runners-up in the I League.
Sporting won the Goa Professional League and becomes runners-up in the I League, Dempo SC is keen for a comeback in the I-League as the bidding process failed by three bidders for the direct spot in the I-League 2023-24 season.
Goa Football Association’s request can be factored into the re-entry of Dempo SC and Sporting for the I-League 3, but the ball is in AIFF’s court. So the decision will be finalised by the federation.
