2009-10 I-League
| 2009–10 I-League | |
|---|---|
| League | I-League |
| Sport | Association football |
| Duration | 2009–10 |
| Number of teams | 14 |
| I-League season | |
| Season champions | Dempo SC |
| Top scorer | Odafe Onyeka Okolie |
This season marks the addition of four new teams, with Lajong SSC, Pune FC, Salgaocar Sports Club and Viva Kerala are confirmed to participate in the I-League. With the inception of these four clubs, many club transfers have been undergone within India, and around the world. The length of the regular season will be longer than in previous years, with 26 rounds rather than 22.
The season kicked off on October 1, 2009 with Mahindra United hosting defending champions Churchill Brothers in Mumbai.
India became the latest member association to adopt AFC's 3+1 rule which will allow clubs to recruit one player of Asian origin in addition to their regular quota of three foreigners.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee decided to embrace the new AFC rule which encourages the mobility of talented Asian players and provides a fillip to the regional game.
Chirag United has been the surprise of the season so far. Dempo, top of the ladder for the most time, has been unlucky with injury and their star striker Sunil Chhetri leaving to Kansas for playing in the MLS. Despite this, they beat defending champions Churchill Brothers SC 4–2 and remained at the top position. Mahindra United started slowly, but their consistent performance – with only one loss so far, has enabled the club to be at a close second spot. Mahindra reached the top position by defeating leader Dempo 3–1 putting the title race exciting to follow. The other surprise of the season is the up-down performance of the Kolkata teams East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. During round 18, both the teams suffered identical 4–1 defeats at the hands of bottom placed clubs Salgaocar and Shillong Lajong respectively. By losing to Salgaocar, East Bengal had suffered the club record of 13 straight games without a win in all competitions. Of the 4 newly promoted clubs to I-League Viva Kerala and Pune FC had some success, with Shillong Lajong and Salgaocar battling for coming out of the relegation zone. Sporting Clube de Goa, who had a good last season reaching third overall now looks to be heading for relegation.
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