The Indian Super League (ISL) will officially return on February 14, 2026, bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding India’s premier club competition. Soon after the announcement, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a detailed communication to ISL clubs outlining a revised timeline and the immediate roadmap for the 2025–26 season.
In the letter, AIFF reiterated its intent to conduct the league in coordination with participating clubs, while stressing the need to adhere to strict deadlines to ensure smooth planning. The federation aims to finalise broadcast partnerships, commercial arrangements, and the match schedule well ahead of the opening fixture, making the coming weeks crucial for the season’s execution.
Clubs have been asked to confirm their home venues by noon on January 12, 2026, a step deemed essential for fixture finalisation and broadcast planning. AIFF also indicated that draft frameworks related to ISL governance and participation agreements would be shared once venue confirmations and required deposits are completed.
However, uncertainty remains. When contacted, a club official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RevSportz: “As we have already communicated, our participation is conditional on certain requests that we have made.”
Another club official echoed a similar stance, adding: “We will pursue those requests in parallel.”
From sources, RevSportz has learnt that both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are set to play their home matches at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, have decided to play most of their fixtures away from home at this stage in a bid to reduce operational costs. Mumbai City FC are also likely to adopt a similar approach, with the club exploring an alternative venue for the same reason.
Relegation remains another major point of discussion ahead of the new season. While the newly adopted AIFF constitution mandates relegation, the federation is yet to take a final call on whether the provision will be amended for the upcoming campaign. The issue has gained prominence as three to four clubs are expected to field largely all-Indian squads this season, which could make it challenging for them to compete against stronger, more established teams and potentially put them at risk of relegation.
As per multiple club sources, discussions around relegation are ongoing, and a final decision is awaited in the coming days.
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