The cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Indian Super League (ISL) has finally lifted, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirming that the 2025-26 season will proceed. The news brings much-needed relief to players, clubs, and fans who have been anxiously awaiting updates on the league's fate. After weeks of discussions and negotiations, the AIFF has assured that the upcoming season is on track, with official dates expected to be announced next week.
The confirmation comes after a period of turmoil, with the ISL 2025-26 season initially put on hold in July due to complications surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league's former organizers. The previous agreement expired on December 8, leading to a contractual deadlock that even required intervention from the Supreme Court.
Adding to the challenges, a proposal from 10 ISL clubs on December 20, which sought "perpetual" operational and commercial ownership of the league, was rejected by the AIFF's General Body. This led to the formation of a committee tasked with resolving the outstanding issues.
In a recent move to address the logistical challenges of the delayed season, the AIFF proposed two potential competition formats for the ISL 2025-26, with the intention of starting the league in early February. One option involves a conference-based structure where the 14 participating teams are divided into East and West groups, competing only against teams within their respective conferences. The top four teams from each group would then advance to a single-leg championship.
However, the delayed start to the season has created a situation where clubs may not be able to play the mandatory 24 matches, including top-division league and domestic cup games, required to be eligible for the AFC Champions League 2. To address this, the AIFF has approached the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to request a one-time exemption from the 24-match minimum requirement.
Adding another layer of complexity, thirteen of the 14 ISL clubs have presented the AIFF with specific conditions for their participation in the 2025-26 season. These conditions include the waiving of participation fees and the AIFF taking on financial responsibility for the operational and organizational expenses of the shortened season. The clubs have also requested a detailed, time-bound plan for the league's long-term sustainability, including the appointment of a commercial partner and a clear revenue-sharing framework.
Despite these remaining hurdles, the AIFF's confirmation that the season will proceed is a positive sign for Indian football. The federation has asked clubs to confirm their participation and preferred competition format by January 1, 2026, to allow the AIFF to inform the AFC, the Sports Ministry, and the Supreme Court accordingly. The Supreme Court is scheduled to resume after vacation on January 5, 2026, and stakeholders may be required to submit relevant documents.
As the AIFF works to finalize the details for the 2025-26 ISL season, fans eagerly anticipate the announcement of the official schedule next week. The resolution of these challenges is crucial for the continued growth and stability of professional football in India.
