Archive · 29 Dec 2025
AIFF Awaits AFC Response on ISL Slots
Borja Herrera, a football player, recently left his team, FC Goa.
He said goodbye on social media and asked the people in charge of Indian football to make decisions to help the sport.
He said Indian football is in trouble because there is no clear plan for the next season.
Many clubs and players are waiting and unsure about what will happen.
The organization that runs football in India, the AIFF, has not given a clear answer about when the next season will start.
Some clubs have had to stop their daily work because of this.
The AIFF is also waiting for a response from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about whether Indian Super League (ISL) clubs can keep their spots in international tournaments even if they play fewer matches this season.
FC Goa, which won the Super Cup, might not be able to play in an international tournament if they don't play enough matches.
The AIFF and the clubs are discussing a new format for the ISL, but they need more time to decide.
The next season might be played in just a few places instead of at each team's home stadium.
Borja Herrera announced his exit from FC Goa, urging the AIFF to take action to save Indian football.
The AIFF is awaiting a response from the AFC regarding ISL clubs' continental slots if they play fewer matches.
FC Goa may be disqualified from the ACL 2 play-off round if they do not meet the mandatory match requirement.
The AIFF proposed a new structure for the ISL, including promotion and relegation, starting from the next season.
The 2025-26 ISL season is on hold due to uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) and lack of commercial rights takers.
- Who
- Borja Herrera, AIFF, AFC, ISL clubs
- What
- AIFF awaiting AFC response on ISL clubs' continental slots and Borja Herrera's exit from FC Goa
- When
- December 28, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- Uncertainty over ISL season and mandatory matches for ACL eligibility
- Player
- Borja Herrera
- Club
- FC Goa
- League
- Indian Super League (ISL)
- Current Season Status
- Delayed, no clear start date
- Proposed Changes
- New league model for 2026-27 with promotion, relegation, and June-May calendar
- AFC Response
- Pending
- Mandatory Matches
- 24 matches per season for ACL eligibility
Sources
'Save Indian Football': Borja Herrera's Plea To AIFF After Exit From FC Goa
Indian football crisis deepens as AIFF, ISL clubs meet again with no clear outcome: Report
AIFF waiting for AFC response over continental slots for ISL clubs in case of fewer matches
AIFF awaits AFC's response on ISL clubs’ Asian slots amid talks of shortened 2025-26 season