Archive · 19 Jan 2026
ISL 12th Season Faces Uncertainty Despite Announced Start Date
The Indian Super League (ISL) is supposed to start on 14 February, but there's still a lot of uncertainty.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the clubs are having trouble finalizing the schedule and finding venues.
Only three clubs have their home stadiums available for the entire season.
Some stadiums are being used for other events, and some aren't ready for matches.
The season is supposed to last until 31 May, with each club playing 13 matches.
The AIFF also said there will be a shorter season of the I-League at the same time.
The 12th season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is scheduled to begin on 14 February with 91 matches on a home-and-away basis.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and clubs are facing challenges in finalizing the schedule and venue availability.
Only three clubs (Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and FC Goa) have their home venues available for the entire season.
Several stadiums are unavailable due to other events or incomplete work, causing uncertainty.
The season is set to run until 31 May, with each club playing 13 matches, and a truncated I-League season will also take place within this window.
- Who
- Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and All India Football Federation (AIFF)
- What
- Uncertainty over the final schedule and venue availability for the 12th season of ISL
- When
- Season to start on 14 February, with less than a month to finalize the schedule
- Where
- India, with confirmed venues in Kolkata and Goa
- Why
- Venues are unavailable due to other events and incomplete work, and clubs are not confident about their home venues being ready
- Start Date
- 14 February
- Number of Matches
- 91
- Match Format
- Home-and-away basis
- Confirmed Venues
- Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, FC Goa
- Season Duration
- 14 February to 31 May
- Matches per Club
- 13
- I-League Status
- Truncated season within ISL window