The upcoming Super Cup football tournament is facing a significant change as Odisha FC has withdrawn from the competition, while 12 other Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have confirmed their participation. This development has raised concerns regarding the tournament's venue and the inclusion of I-League teams.
The Super Cup, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is a national knockout football tournament that features clubs from both the ISL and the I-League. It serves as a major domestic cup competition for men's football in India. The tournament is typically held at the end of the season but has been moved to October to address delays in the ISL, which is now expected to begin in December. The Super Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held from October 25 to November 22. The AIFF has decided to hold the Super Cup in a phased manner.
According to an AIFF official, all 12 ISL clubs, except Odisha FC, have agreed to participate in the Super Cup. The official also mentioned that final confirmations from the clubs are awaited. The 16-team event will include at least three I-League sides, with the potential for more if any ISL club withdraws.
The reason for Odisha FC's withdrawal remains unclear. However, this absence creates a void, particularly considering that the tournament was initially planned to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, making Odisha FC the home team. The AIFF is yet to confirm the venue for this season's Super Cup.
Despite Odisha FC's withdrawal, the Super Cup 2025 offers a significant incentive for participating teams. The Super Cup champions will earn a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 play-off for the 2026-27 season, provided they hold the mandatory Premier 1 License. If the winning club fails to progress in the ACL 2 play-off stage, they will still be guaranteed a spot in the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) group stage, ensuring continued continental representation.
The confirmation of the Super Cup 2025 schedule and structure, along with advancements in the commercial tendering process for the AIFF's marketing and media rights, indicate a period of structural and commercial transformation for Indian football. As the AIFF prepares for a crucial phase both on and off the field, stakeholders and fans are closely monitoring further updates in the coming weeks.
The teams that are participating in Super Cup 2025 are Mohun Bagan SG, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Punjab FC, and Mohammedan.
The Super Cup winners will get ACL 2 Access and the Super Cup champions will earn a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 play-off for the 2026-27 season, provided they hold the mandatory Premier 1 License. If the club falls short at the ACL 2 play-off stage, they will still be guaranteed a berth in the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) group stage, ensuring consistent continental representation.
