New Delhi: Indian football’s domestic season will begin August 1 when the transfer window opens, two months later than normal times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a circular sent Tuesday to all the state units, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said it has got clearance from the world body FIFA to hold the season from August 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021. The summer transfer window will run August 1 to October 31.
While the domestic transfer window normally begins in the first week of June to continue till August end, it has been pushed back to August this year due to the global health crisis. The second transfer window will be from January 1, 2021 to January 31, 2021.
But there was no change in the normal May 31 season ending date and thus the 2020-2021 season will be shortened by two months in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Yes, we have received the circular from the AIFF stating that the domestic season will begin from August 1, 2020 and run to May 31, 2021 and it will open the summer transfer window from August 1 till October 20,” the head of a state association said Tuesday.
“….we are pleased to inform you that the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has approved the amendment in All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) season dates and registration period (transfer window) for 2020-21,” the circular from the AIFF said.
In an earlier circular sent in the last week of May to the member units, the AIFF had said that the date of the domestic season will be delayed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.