New Delhi, Nov 8: Former India captain Climax Lawrence believes the 2022-23 season of the I-League is set to become a hugely attractive meet as the ultimate champions would have the opportunity to qualify for the Indian Super League as per the criteria of the AFC approved Roadmap.
“I am truly excited by the prospects. It will definitely take Indian football to newer heights and raise hopes for the clubs in the upcoming years,” said Climax, currently a member of the AIFF Executive Committee and the Technical Committee.
As per the Roadmap, the winners of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 I-League seasons will stand a chance to gain promotion to the ISL without any participation fee, basis fulfilment of the club licensing criteria.
“The Roadmap is absolutely perfect for taking Indian football ahead. This was a much-needed step for Indian Football to grow,” said the former midfielder on the AIFF official website.
Climax had been an integral part of the Indian team from 2003 till he decided to hang his boots in the year 2012. The AIFF player of the year 2005 had been a star performer in the domestic football circuit and won both the National Football League and the I-League several times while playing for Salgaocar FC and Dempo FC.
“The I-League will be much more competitive this season because everyone will fight for that one spot on the top, which will give them the license to play the ISL. It will be very exciting to see what the clubs have to offer in terms of games and strategies,” said the former captain. (IANS)
