Picture Credit: Twitter
In latest development around Indian football season, spectators will be allowed in selected stands and sections at the stadiums for the I-League 2021-22. This decision will come in to implementation from the second round, which kicks off from April 22 onwards. League CEO, Mr Sunando Dhar confirmed the reports and suggested that football fans in the country have waited long to witness their favourite players in action straight from the ground, and finally, their wait is over.
In a statement released, Mr Dhar was quoted as saying, "It gives us immense satisfaction to welcome fans into the selected stands in the stadiums for the Hero I-League 2021-22. We are grateful to the vast legion of fans for all their support during the tough times in our joint endeavour to move forward together." He further added that he is expecting an exciting fight on the cards, be it from the championship race or the relegation zone.
However, Mr Dhar also stated that the medical situation would be constantly reviewed on a regular basis, and the management will act in accordance to the health parameters laid down by the relevant authorities.
The notification further informed that all the 13 clubs would continue to operate in selected parts of the stadiums and will in no way be able to cross the path through the competition zone of the respective stadium. Speaking of the league, the teams will be divided into two groups - Group A and B, based on their results in Phase 1.
The teams that finished in top 7 will move into Group A, the others will be settled in a relegation battle in Group B. The teams in the respective groups will face each other once in a round-robin format. Points from both phases will be taken into consideration.