The Indian Super League (ISL) is poised for a comeback following a period of uncertainty, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) actively proposing new models to clubs to ensure the league's resumption. After weeks of speculation surrounding the ISL's future, a three-member AIFF committee has presented clubs with two possible formats for the 2025–26 season. These proposals emphasize urgency, financial prudence, and the need to keep the league operational, even if compromises are necessary.
The AIFF's proposals were shared with the clubs without detailed explanations, entrusting the clubs to independently assess their feasibility. The first option involves a conference-based league structure. This structure would divide the 14 teams into two groups (East and West) of seven teams each. Teams would then play home-and-away matches within their respective conferences. The top four teams from each group would advance to a single-leg championship round to determine the ISL winner, while the bottom three teams would compete in a single-leg relegation phase. To minimize travel expenses, all fixtures would be held at two centralized venues.
The second proposal suggests a single-leg league format. In this format, all 14 teams would compete in a single-leg season without conferences. The league would consist of 91 total matches, with each club playing six or seven matches at home or away based on a randomized schedule. The team with the most points at the end of the season would be declared the champion, and there would be no playoffs.
Both formats prioritize cost efficiency, which is a crucial consideration given the current circumstances. The AIFF is keen to avoid a prolonged pause that could lead to sponsors, broadcasters, and commercial partners withdrawing their support. Getting the league back on the field, even in a modified format, is considered better than a complete shutdown.
However, these proposals also involve certain trade-offs. Centralized venues, while cost-effective, may diminish the home atmosphere and local identity of the league. Shortened formats could also compress the season and reduce the opportunity for storylines to develop.
AIFF's long-term plan involves the federation owning and operating the top league in a hybrid model with the clubs. This model aims to meet constitutional requirements, with clubs signing a participation agreement with the AIFF. This would grant them the freedom to decide on a commercial partner, commercial regulations, secure sponsorships and a broadcaster. The AIFF would oversee regulations, match operations, referee appointments, integrity matters, and disciplinary issues.
The AIFF will respond to the clubs' queries on December 26, during the second meeting between the three-member panel and club representatives. A final meeting with all stakeholders is scheduled for December 29 in the capital.
The committee has suggested staging the ISL in a hub-based format, with West Bengal and Goa as potential hosts. It is also recommending waiving franchise fees for clubs this season to provide financial relief, while limiting club expenditure to basic operational costs. Some reports suggest that efforts are being made to start the league by the third week of January, with the season potentially running until May.
