&sq=&lang=&file=File:National_Football_League_(India).png) | |
| Founded | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Folded | 2007 (reformed as the I-League)[1] |
| Country | India |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Number of teams | 12 (from 1996-97 to 2003-04) 10 (from 2004-05 to 2006-07) |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | National Football League Second Division |
| Domestic cup(s) | Federation Cup Durand Cup Indian Super Cup |
| International cup(s) | AFC Champions League AFC Cup |
| Last champions | Dempo (2nd title) (2006–07) |
| Most championships | East Bengal Mohun Bagan (3 titles each) |
The National Football League (NFL) was the men's highest level of the Indian football league system from 1996 to 2007.[2] Founded by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 1996, the NFL was the first football league in India to be organized on a national scale. The AIFF then added a second division in 1997 and a third division was soon added by the governing body in 2006. The NFL was eventually replaced by the I-League for the 2007–08 season in order to professionalize the sport in India.
As well as league competition, clubs in the NFL would also participate in the two main domestic cup competitions, the Federation Cup and Durand Cup. The NFL champions would also participate in the Indian Super Cup against the Federation Cup champion. NFL players could also participate in the state-based Santosh Trophy competition.
- ^ "History of I-League". i-league.org. AIFF. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
- ^ Khan, M. M. Jafar (8 March 2016). "Departments' League — A solution to many problems". englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com. Kochi: Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2022.