PANJIM: Churchill Brothers Football Club is the only team to have featured in the I-League in 14 seasons from 2007-08 to 2023-24. The Red Machines played a total of 303 matches, won 139, drew 83 and lost 81. They scored 525 goals and conceded 369 for a goal difference of 155. Churchill Brothers secured 499 points and won the title twice, were the runners-up three times and took the third spot once.
Consequently, Churchill Brothers FC, the only family-owned and administered club in India, tops the heap in all respects and leaves all others behind in its wake. In fact, the tournament kicked-off as the National Football League in 1996-97. Churchill Brothers FC were runners-up in the inaugural year, placed third in 1998-99 and were runners-up again in 1999-2000, third in 2000-01 and second in 2001-02.
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They figured in all the 11 editions but were unlucky not to win it even once. The change of name from NFL to I-League also changed their luck as they emerged champions twice.
In effect, Churchill Brothers FC have remained in Indian football’s top flight continuously for a period of 25 seasons between 1996-97 to 2023-24.
East Bengal FC are second having played in the tournament for 13 years. The red and golds were involved in 276 matches, winning 126, drawing and losing 75 each. They scored 425 goals and let in 282 for a goal difference of 143 and logged 453 points. But they never won the I-League title finishing second four times and third thrice.
Mohun Bagan AC are behind East Bengal in the third spot having also played in 13 seasons. The green and maroon played 276 matches, won 126, drew 85 and lost 65. They scored 430 goals and conceded 301 for a goal difference of 129 and secured 451 points having won the title twice, having been the runners-up three times and placed third once.
Dempo SC are fourth having played in eight seasons. The blue and whites figured in 188 games, won 90, drew 52 and lost 46 matches, scoring 337 goals and conceding 209 for a goal difference of 128. They logged 322 points in all. Dempo won the tournament thrice and were third once.
Salgaocar SC are in the fifth spot just below Dempo. The greens were on view for eight seasons, having played 182 matches, won 70, drew 46 and lost 66. They scored 258 goals, took in 229 for a goal difference of 29. They got 256 points in all, having won the title once and placed third once.
Sporting Clube de Goa are placed seventh after playing eight seasons. The orange clad team played 178 matches, won 62, drew 57 and lost 59. They scored 241 and conceded 249 for a goal difference of minus eight and logged 243 points. They placed third once.
Vasco SC is at the bottom in the 39th and last position. The white and blacks played in the top tournament for only one year playing 22 games, winning two, forcing a draw four times and losing 16 games for their 10 points, scoring 14 and conceding 49 for a goal difference of minus 35.
