Archive · 5 Sep 2026
ISL to Begin October 10 as League Questions Persist
The Indian Super League will begin its new season on October 10.
The season will continue until May 2027.
The football federation said teams will effectively not be relegated this season.
Diamond Harbour FC was promoted but did not take its place in the league.
The club failed to meet an administrative fee requirement.
Because of this, Diamond Harbour FC will stay at the bottom of the table.
Churchill Brothers may join the league after buying Jamshedpur FC’s sporting licence.
However, Churchill Brothers still needs regulatory approval to participate.
The 2026/27 Indian Super League season will start on October 10 and run through May 2027.
The All India Football Federation said there will effectively be no relegation this season.
Diamond Harbour FC will remain at the bottom after failing to take up its promoted slot.
Churchill Brothers’ participation remains subject to regulatory approvals.
Churchill Brothers effectively secured a place after buying Jamshedpur FC’s ISL sporting licence.
- Who
- The All India Football Federation, Diamond Harbour FC, Churchill Brothers and Jamshedpur FC.
- What
- The federation announced the 2026/27 Indian Super League schedule and confirmed effectively no relegation this season.
- When
- The season will begin on October 10 and run through May 2027; the announcement was made on Saturday.
- Where
- The Indian Super League.
- Why
- Diamond Harbour FC did not fulfil the administrative fee requirement or take up its promoted slot, while Churchill Brothers’ participation requires regulatory approval.
- Season
- 2026/27 Indian Super League season
- Opening date
- October 10
- Season end
- May 2027
- Relegation
- Effectively none this season
- Diamond Harbour FC
- Did not fulfil the administrative fee requirement and did not take up its promoted slot
- Churchill Brothers
- Participation is subject to regulatory approvals
- Sporting licence
- Churchill Brothers bought Jamshedpur FC’s ISL sporting licence