The All India Football Federation (AIFF), in its scheduled meeting with 13 ISL clubs and commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on Wednesday, failed to reach a specific resolution regarding the commencement of the ISL this season.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president, Kalyan Chaubey, revealed that the ISL must take place, but without mentioning any specific time for the League. Rather, he asserted that in a bid to continue with the country’s domestic football, the AIFF is planning to reschedule the Super Cup as the season-opener this season!
Eleven clubs sent their officials to New Delhi, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Odisha FC joined virtually.
The club representatives also did not seem to have been convinced by the AIFF president’s promise, as it is learnt that they agreed to take part in the Super Cup, provided a specific announcement on the ISL. The clubs also demanded clarity and legal assurance about the top-tier league structure before committing fully to the tournament.
“The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss how clubs can plan their year. Whatever the situation, the game must go on,” said AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. “Clubs asked about the way forward with the transfer window ending on the 31st and pre-season training also coming up.”
With legal uncertainties surrounding the top-tier league’s recognition, the AIFF said it will seek legal advice to explore interim solutions. This came after questions were raised about the delay in approaching the Supreme Court for urgent relief regarding the league’s status.
“We may reschedule the Super Cup to before the season starts. The current agreement is up for renewal, and we have agreed to modify the tournament to reduce logistics. Some clubs have not started pre-season, so we need 6-8 weeks for preparation. We will meet again to decide the date of the Super Cup,” added Chaubey.
Vice-President N.A. Haris acknowledged the legal roadblock, saying, “The decision lies with the Supreme Court, so we can’t do anything. We asked to get it fast, but it’s the Supreme Court’s decision.”
Tensions had been simmering in recent weeks, culminating in a joint letter signed by eight ISL clubs — Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United, Odisha FC, and Punjab FC — seeking clarity on the upcoming season’s structure. The letter raised serious concerns over scheduling, financial planning, and the absence of a formal roadmap.
Both the Super Cup and ISL are expected to take place this season, with the former likely kicking off first. A follow-up meeting is scheduled within the next 7–10 days to finalise the tournament’s structure, dates, and format.
As things stand, Indian football remains at a crossroads, with the legal outcome yet to shape the final calendar. But Wednesday’s meeting offered a much-needed step toward clarity and collaboration between the country’s top governing body and its premier clubs.
