NEW DELHI -- The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday suspended tournaments at all levels, including the I-League, until March 31 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension will come into effect from Sunday.
Earlier, the AIFF had said all the remaining 28 matches of the I-League -- including Sunday's Kolkata derby between champions Mohun Bagan and East Bengal -- would be played behind closed doors owing to the pandemic.
"Adhering to the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and directives from several state governments, all footballing activities under the aegis of AIFF stay suspended till March 31, 2020," the federation said in a statement.
"All India Football Federation understands and prioritizes the importance of human health and life, an area which AIFF will never compromise upon. The AIFF will take a stock of the situation in the last week of March, and take a decision abiding by directives from relevant authorities at that juncture. All I-League matches have been suspended from March 15, 2020 onwards. Furthermore, all second division, youth leagues, Golden Baby leagues as well as national competitions also stay suspended with immediate effect."
Meanwhile, Saturday's Indian Super League final will be played behind closed doors in Goa.
