Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Diamond Harbour FC Excluded From 2026–27 ISL Season
The Indian Super League is planning its next season with 13 football clubs.
Last season, there were 14 clubs.
Diamond Harbour FC will not be included this time.
The club had won the Indian Football League and earned promotion to the ISL.
The All India Football Federation announced the new format.
Every team will play the other teams twice, once at home and once away.
This is called a double round-robin format.
The new format may mean there will be no knockout stage at the end.
The 2026–27 Indian Super League season will feature 13 clubs, down from 14 last season.
West Bengal-based Diamond Harbour FC will not participate in the upcoming season.
Diamond Harbour FC had earned promotion by winning the Indian Football League last season.
The All India Football Federation confirmed the season will use a double round-robin format.
Each club is expected to play home-and-away matches, potentially eliminating the knockout stage.
- Who
- The All India Football Federation, the Indian Super League clubs, and Diamond Harbour FC.
- What
- The 2026–27 ISL season will have 13 clubs, excluding Diamond Harbour FC, and use a double round-robin format.
- When
- The announcement was made on Wednesday, August 19, 2026; the season is 2026–27.
- Where
- The competition is the Indian Super League in India; Diamond Harbour FC is based in West Bengal.
- Why
- The articles do not state why Diamond Harbour FC was excluded.
- Upcoming season
- Indian Super League 2026–27
- Number of clubs
- 13
- Clubs last season
- 14
- Excluded club
- Diamond Harbour FC
- Promotion achievement
- Diamond Harbour FC won the Indian Football League last season.
- Competition format
- Double round-robin, home and away
- Possible postseason change
- The knockout stage may be removed.