53 mins ago
John Abraham Backs Club-Led Indian Super League Transformation
The Indian Super League is changing how it will be run.
Starting in the 2026-27 season, the clubs will have more control over the league's business operations.
The football federation will still handle rules and administration.
John Abraham, who owns NorthEast United FC, thinks this could greatly improve Indian football.
He hopes football can become as popular as cricket in India.
The new season will have 13 teams and will use home-and-away matches.
It will last about eight months and include 163 games.
The top team will win the league title, while the best six teams will play for the ISL Cup.
NorthEast United FC hopes its recent Durand Cup success will help it win the ISL title.
The 2026-27 Indian Super League season is expected to begin on October 10 with a club-led structure.
The league will return to a home-and-away format, featuring 163 matches over eight months and 13 competing teams.
The All India Football Federation transferred the ISL's commercial rights to clubs for four years while retaining administrative and regulatory duties.
NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham predicted a major shift for Indian football and said clubs want the sport to become as popular as cricket.
NorthEast United FC, which won consecutive Durand Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, aims to win its first ISL title.
- Who
- The Indian Super League clubs, the All India Football Federation, and NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham are central to the change.
- What
- The ISL is moving to a club-led structure, with clubs receiving commercial rights while the federation retains administrative and regulatory functions.
- Where
- The changes concern India's top-tier football league, with the season returning to a traditional home-and-away format.
- When
- The 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin on October 10 and run through May 2027; the agreement was reached on July 8.
- Why
- Club owners and the federation are seeking to strengthen the league and advance Indian football.
Club-Led Expansion
Federation Oversight
Who should drive the league?
Club-Led Expansion
John Abraham and other owners believe greater club control will create a major shift and improve Indian football.
Federation Oversight
The All India Football Federation has accepted the club-led commercial model but will retain administrative and regulatory responsibilities.
Long-term stability
Club-Led Expansion
Club owners say they are working together to make the league stronger and more successful.
Federation Oversight
The arrangement includes a two-year unilateral exit option for clubs, while some participation remains subject to regulatory requirements and approvals.
League participation
Club-Led Expansion
The planned 13-team competition restores the longer home-and-away format and adds a play-off for the ISL Cup.
Federation Oversight
Diamond Harbour FC will be placed at the bottom after failing to meet the participation-fee requirement, while Churchill Brothers FC's participation remains conditional on approvals.
Key facts
- Season
- 2026-27
- Scheduled start
- October 10
- Format
- Traditional home-and-away league
- Match schedule
- 163 matches over eight months
- Participating teams
- 13
- Commercial rights
- Transferred to clubs for four years, with a unilateral exit option after two years
- Federation responsibilities
- Administrative and regulatory functions
- NorthEast United achievement
- Consecutive Durand Cup titles in 2024 and 2025
Quotes
John Abraham
Owner of Northeast United FC and Bollywood actor
“Football will be the new cricket (in India) from this year, because the club owners have taken over the league. You will see a huge paradigm shift in Indian football from this season, and as one of the owners, I'm hoping to see that change.”
rediff.com
“I think today, Northeast United FC is not just a football team. We're a movement. The northeast has seen a lot of civil tension, but the only exception to every rule has been our football club, which has been a binding factor.”
rediff.com
Sources
Related news
ISL 2026-27 Returns October 10 With Home-Away Format
Diamond Harbour FC Excluded From 2026–27 ISL Season
ISL to Begin October 10 as League Questions Persist
ISL 2026-27 Delayed Beyond October 6 With 13 Teams
Churchill Brothers Acquire Jamshedpur FC, Set for ISL Entry
NorthEast United Unveils Reebok Jersey Ahead Of ISL Season
Habas Explains East Bengal’s Missed Fifth Goal Against Mohun Bagan
Edmund Lalrindika’s Derby Hat-Trick Caps Remarkable Comeback
Habas Helps East Bengal Challenge Mohun Bagan’s Kolkata Dominance
East Bengal's 4-1 Durand Cup Victory Follows Electric Derby Build-Up
