The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sought confirmation from Indian Super League (ISL) clubs regarding their participation in the 2025-26 season, as uncertainty continues to surround the league’s structure, finances and compliance with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations.
In a letter dated December 31 and addressed to all ISL club CEOs, the federation asked clubs to confirm their willingness to participate and their preferred competition format, setting January 1 as the deadline. The move comes amid growing concern over the viability of the upcoming season, with key decisions required before AIFF approaches the AFC for regulatory clearances.
According to sources, the federation is also preparing to float a fresh tender for the league after the previous bid failed to attract takers. In its communication, AIFF highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that it must submit a status report to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports by January 2. The Supreme Court is set to resume hearings from January 5, further compressing timelines. As a result, the federation has asked clubs to clearly state whether they will participate in the 2025-26 season and under what format.
At the heart of the issue is the structure of the upcoming league. Two formats are currently under consideration — a centralised, single-leg league or a double-leg conference-style format. However, neither meets the AFC’s mandatory requirement of a minimum 24-match season for continental eligibility. Clubs have therefore urged AIFF to seek a one-time exemption from the AFC, something the federation says it can only do once it has formal confirmation from participating teams.
Financial concerns remain equally pressing. Clubs have expressed discomfort over the projected operational costs, which are estimated to be around ₹70 crore for the season. While AIFF believes expenses could be contained between ₹35-42 crore depending on venues, clubs argue that centralised hosting, particularly if split between Goa and Kolkata, could push costs well beyond manageable limits.
The absence of a commercial partner has further deepened concerns. Several clubs have made it clear they are unwilling to shoulder operational costs without a broadcast or commercial rights partner similar to the earlier FSDL arrangement. Some, including Odisha FC, are understood to be reconsidering participation if asked to absorb a significant financial burden.
Discussions over the past week have narrowed down a possible single-leg centralised format, amounting to 78 matches played across two venues. While this would reduce costs compared to a full home-and-away season, it still falls short of AFC requirements, making regulatory clearance crucial.
AIFF has acknowledged these challenges and, in its communication, urged clubs to respond quickly so that it can approach the AFC with a clear proposal on format and match numbers. Without consensus, the federation risks missing key deadlines that could jeopardise India’s continental slots.
With time running out and the season tentatively scheduled to begin in early February, the coming days are expected to be decisive.
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