Archive · 1 Jan 2026
AIFF Seeks ISL Clubs' Confirmation Amid Delays
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has asked the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to confirm their participation in the delayed 2025-26 season and choose between two proposed formats.
The clubs need to respond by January 1, 2026, so the AIFF can inform the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the number of matches.
The season is proposed to start in February 2026.
The clubs are worried about the costs, as a shortened season could lead to big losses.
The AIFF also wants to own and operate the league for the next 20 seasons and plans to introduce a promotion and relegation system.
The delay is due to issues with the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) and the lack of a commercial partner.
AIFF asks ISL clubs to confirm participation and format by January 1, 2026.
Two proposed formats: conference-based or single-leg without playoffs.
Clubs need to play 24 matches to qualify for the AFC Champions League 2.
Financial concerns: clubs may lose up to Rs 40 crore in a shortened season.
AIFF proposes to own and operate the league for 20 seasons with promotion and relegation.
- Who
- All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs
- What
- AIFF seeks confirmation from ISL clubs on participation and format for the delayed 2025-26 season
- When
- AIFF asked for confirmation by January 1, 2026, with the season proposed to start in February 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To inform the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the number of matches and to address the delay caused by the uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA)
- AIFF Request
- Clubs to confirm participation and format by January 1, 2026
- Proposed Formats
- Conference-based or single-leg without playoffs
- AFC Champions League 2
- Clubs need 24 matches to qualify
- Financial Concerns
- Clubs may lose up to Rs 40 crore in shortened season
- Season Start
- Proposed to start in the first week of February 2026
- Ownership Proposal
- AIFF proposes to own and operate the league for 20 seasons
- Promotion and Relegation
- To be implemented from the upcoming season
- Commercial Rights
- No takers for the tender floated for ISL's commercial rights
Sources
ISL clubs question viability of shortened season: 'There is a limit to which we can take losses'
AIFF Asks Clubs To Confirm Participation in Delayed ISL
AIFF scrambles for ISL solution as time runs out!
AIFF seeks urgent confirmation from ISL clubs on participation in 2025-26 season
AIFF asks clubs to confirm participation in delayed ISL
ISL clubs put conditions before AIFF, seek fee waiver and financial backing for 2025-26 season
