The AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season include giving all top-tier clubs the same number of matches as in previous years, even though the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) is currently uncertain. As part of this plan, the Super Cup is expected to be held in September, followed by a top-tier league.
The 2025–26 ISL season, which was set to begin on September 14, has been paused due to doubts over the league’s contract with its marketing partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). This 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) is due to end on December 8, 2025. Without a renewal or new deal, the league’s structure remains unclear, which has forced the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season to adapt.
The uncertainty has already affected clubs in a major way. Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, and Chennaiyin FC have stopped operations and put player salaries on hold. Six other clubs have yet to start their pre-season training.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey confirmed after a meeting with club representatives and FSDL officials that the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season would ensure both the Super Cup and a league competition are played.
“We will first have the Super Cup because clubs have financial commitments to squads of 30–40 players,” Chaubey said. “They have to plan their season according to the number of matches. We have assured them they will play the same number of matches as before.”
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Clubs Concerned Over League’s Future
The Super Cup, part of the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season, features teams from both the ISL and the I-League, with the winners earning a place in the AFC Champions League Two playoffs. In the past, the tournament followed a league-cum-knockout format, but last season it was a straight knockout with only 15 teams participating.
This year, AIFF has suggested a new format to save clubs time and money. However, not everyone agrees with this change. Some clubs argue that without confirmation of the ISL, it’s pointless to take part in the Super Cup alone.
“It makes no sense to play the Super Cup if there’s no clarity on the ISL,”. “Why assemble a squad only for one tournament? There is about ₹30 crore in investment at stake, and no owner will risk that without certainty about the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season.”
The meeting in New Delhi was attended by AIFF president Chaubey, vice-president N.A. Haris, treasurer Ajay Kipa, finance committee chairperson Menla Ethenpa, and league committee chairperson Lalnghinglova Hmar. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, and Odisha FC joined virtually.
Most clubs supported the idea of AIFF and FSDL signing a short-term extension to allow the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season to go ahead. They suggested that once the season is completed, both parties could decide on a long-term agreement. This would depend on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the AIFF constitution.
Chaubey said the federation was open to an extension but warned it might conflict with an oral order from the Supreme Court.
Call for Urgent Action
“A short-term extension is the need of the hour,” said another club CEO. “It gives everyone time to find a permanent solution and ensures the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season can protect club investments. Without quick action, more clubs will shut down operations.”
The clubs also urged AIFF to approach the Supreme Court for an interim order. AIFF responded that legal advice would be sought first.
“We all want the judgment to come quickly. Nobody wants delays in the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season,” Haris said.
During the meeting, clubs voiced concerns over the financial damage caused by delays or the possibility of no league at all. One senior club official, whose team is competing in the Durand Cup, said, “AIFF listened and sympathised with us. They also promised the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season would include a league, but nothing has been resolved yet. We plan to meet again in seven to ten days.”
Clubs without pre-season plans are especially worried. Some owners are ready to take drastic steps if no clarity emerges soon on the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season.
“As of now, owners will not hesitate to make tough calls,” the official added.
After the meeting, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur said the clubs need time to plan their next moves.
“You cannot just press a button and expect the AIFF Plans for 2025–26 ISL Season to fall into place. There’s a lot of coordination and logistical work required. Once we have clarity, as the AIFF president said, we will meet collectively to decide. We are all here because we want football to continue,” Puskur explained.
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