2009–10 I-League

The 2009–10 I-League season began on 1 October 2009 with Mahindra United hosting defending champions Churchill Brothers in Mumbai. The season marked the addition of four new teams, with Lajong, Pune, Salgaocar and Viva Kerala were confirmed to participate in the I-League. With the inception of these four clubs, many club transfers have been undergone within India, and around the world. The length of the regular season will be longer than in previous years, with 26 rounds rather than 22.

Rule changes
India became the latest member association to adopt AFC's 3+1 rule which will allow clubs to recruit one player of Asian origin in addition to their regular quota of three foreigners.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee decided to embrace the new AFC rule which encourages the mobility of talented Asian players and provides a fillip to the regional game.

AFC Campaign
Two of the I-League teams were playing in the 2010 AFC Cup. This had caused some delays in scheduling. East Bengal lost all its round robin matches and was out of the tournament, but Churchill Brothers were at Knockout stage.

Top goalscorers
As of 18 May 2010 (season end)


 * 21 goals
 * 🇳🇬 Odafa Onyeka Okolie (Churchill Brothers)


 * 16 goals
 * 🇳🇬 Muritala Ali (Mahindra United)
 * 🇧🇷 Josimar (Chirag United Kerala)
 * 🇳🇬 Ekene Ikenwa (Salgaocar)


 * 15 goals
 * 🇳🇬 Ranty Martins (Dempo)


 * 14 goals
 * 🇧🇷 Edmar Figueira (Pune)
 * 🇳🇬 N.D.Opara (Air India)
 * 🇮🇳 Mohammed Rafi (Mahindra United)
 * 🇧🇷 Jose Ramirez Barreto (Mohun Bagan)


 * 12 goals
 * 🇳🇬 Chidi Edeh (Mohun Bagan)
 * 🇧🇷 Edmilson (Chirag United Kerala)


 * 11 goals
 * 🇳🇬 Felix Chimaokwu (Churchill Brothers)


 * 10 goals
 * Arata Izumi (Pune)
 * 🇳🇬 Junior Obagbemiro (Sporting Goa)