In India, the National Football League (NFL) ran a three-tiered association football league competition from 1996 to 2007. The league will go forward using the name I-League. Although the country had a long history in the sport thanks to the IFA Shield and the Federation Cup, the league’s Premier Division began in 1996. Before the formation of the NFL in 1920, the Santosh Trophy served as the country’s premier football tournament.
When football became as popular in India as cricket, the league added a second division the following year, in 1997. Two teams moved up every year, and two moved down a division. The NFL declared the Third Division in 2006, but it didn’t matter because that was the league’s last year. In 2007, the I-League replaced the NFL, which aimed to make football in India entirely professional.
Premier Division
Season 1996-1997
For sponsorship reasons, the 1996–97 NFL season was called the Philips National League. The tournament ran from 17 December 1996 to 16 March 1997. Before the competition began, the All India Football Federation said it would be semi-professional for the first two years. H.D. Deve Gowda opened it. Raman Vijayan scored two goals to help East Bengal win 2-1. In 10 minutes, the opening goal was scored.
Season 1997-1998
India’s National Football League (NFL) was founded in 1996 and is the premier league for association football clubs. The 1997–1998 season was the NFL’s second and was sponsored by Philips, so it was also known as the Philips National League. There were ten groups taking part, and Mohun Bagan emerged victorious.
Season 1998-1999
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The 1998–99 National Football League, also known as the Coca-Cola National Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the third season of India’s top football league since its 1996 inception. Twelve teams competed and Salgaocar won. Kingfisher East Bengal was second, then Churchill Brothers.
Season 1999-2000
The 1999–2000 National Football Competition, sometimes known as the Coca-Cola National Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the fourth season of India’s elite football league since its 1996 start. Under coach Subrata Bhattacharya, Mohun Bagan won with 12 teams. Two NFL titles. The second was Churchill Brothers, and the third was Salgaonkar. For the first time, the tournament was played without a group stage and “Home and Away.” Dempo and BSF were relegated from the NFL.
Season 2000-2001
The National Football League (NFL) has been India’s premier league for association football clubs since 1996. Its fifth season, 2000-01, was dubbed the Coca-Cola National Football League due to a sponsorship deal. Twelve teams were competing, and East Bengal came out on top. It was decided on the final day of the championship, and it was East Bengal’s first ever. It was by a single point that Mohan Bagan finished second and three places behind Churchill Brothers. Air India and SBT (State Bank of Travancore) lost their playoff spots in the NFL.
Season 2001-2002
The 2001–02 season of the Indian National Football League or Tata National Football League as its title sponsor preferred to be known, was the sixth season of the National Football League, India’s top league for association football clubs, since its inception in 1996. Mohun Bagan, coached by Subrata Bhattacharya, won their third title in a row, and they’re first since losing the previous title by one point. There were 12 teams in total. Second place went to Churchill Brothers, and third place went to Vasco. The Punjab Police and F.C. Cochin will play in the National Football League’s Second Division next season.
Season 2002-2003
It was performed in 12 teams, and East Bengal won the championship under the coach Subhas Bhowmick, and this was their second title. Salgaonkar came second, and Vasco again came third. HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and ITI (Indian Telephone Industries) were relegated from the National Football League next season.
Season 2003-2004
The 2003–04 National Football League season was the eighth since its 1996 start. The first 11 rounds of the season were announced on 20 November 2003. In April, East Bengal won the championship under coach Subhas Bhowmick. Dempo came in second, then Mahindra. Both Indian Bank and Mohammedan were relegated from the NFL.
Season 2004-2005
2004–05 was the ninth season of the National Football League, India’s top professional league for football clubs, since 1996. The season included 12 teams. In 22 games, Dempo scored 47 points to win the company. Sporting Clube de Goa got 45 points in 22 matches to finish second. Dudu Omagbemi of S.C. Goa was the league’s top scorer (21).
Season 2005-2006
The 2005–06 National Football League, known as the ONGC National Football League due to sponsorship, was the league’s tenth season since its 1996 start. This began on 10 January 2006 and ended on 21 May. Ten teams competed, and Mahindra United won their first title under coach Derrick Pereira. East Bengal was second, and Mohun Bagan third. Fransa Pax and Salgaocar were relegated in 2006-07.
Season 2006-2007
The 2006–07 National Football League was the 11th and last season of the league before it became the I-League in 2007–08. Ten teams competed, and Armando Colaco’s Dempo won. They’re second. JCT and Mahindra tied for second. Mohammedan and HAL were relegated from the league.
Season 2007-08
The 2006–07 National Football League was the 11th and last season of the league before it became the I-League in 2007–08. Ten teams competed, and Armando Colaco’s Dempo won. They’re second. JCT and Mahindra tied for second. Mohammedan and HAL were relegated from the league for Season 2007-08.
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