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AIFF President Praful Patel cleared the air on the ongoing debate between the I-League and the Indian Super League, saying that the former is the official league of the country and the latter is just a tournament. He also said that the two leagues would not merge and will carry on separately.

The Indian Football Association’s Secretary, Utpal Ganguli, threatened to inaugurate a new league parallel to the Indian Super League if the legacy and heritage of the oldest football clubs in India aren’t protected from the commercial requirements put forward by AIFF’s partners.

Bengaluru FC will begin their I-league title defence by playing against Shillong Lajong at their home fort - the Sree Kanteerava Stadium - in the inaugural game of the new season on 7th January. East Bengal will lock horns with Aizawl FC at the Barasat Stadium in the other match of the opening day.

Bhaichung Bhutia has asked Bengaluru FC players to play their hearts out and not worry about the result ahead of the AFC Cup final against Iraqi club Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. Bhutia also called the final as the biggest event in Indian football since the 2003 ASEAN Cup final, that East Bengal won.