Author: Rahul Giri

Two young Indian footballers have taken an unconventional yet significant step in their careers, as Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduates Zehal Shibu and Fanai Vanlalchhanchhua have completed permanent moves to Tokyo 23 FC, a club competing in th sixth tier of Japan’s football system. While that may appear modest on paper, those familiar with Asian football structures insist that the competitive ecosystem in Japan offers a far more demanding weekly environment than most domestic options currently available to Indian players. Both players have signed contracts until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension based on performance. In addition,…

Since the announcement of the Indian Super League’s start date, a key question has dominated discussions among Indian football enthusiasts: what happens to India’s AFC slots this season? Traditionally, India has been allotted two continental berths — one direct and one indirect — based on league structure and match criteria laid down by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). However, the 2025–26 ISL season is set to be played in a truncated format, with each club featuring in only 13 matches. That falls well short of AFC’s requirement of a minimum 24 matches per team in a domestic season to remain…

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday formally approved a new governance structure for the Indian Super League (ISL), putting in place a Governing Council and a Management Committee to oversee the league’s regulatory and operational functioning. Under the new framework, AIFF will continue to own, organise, and operate the ISL as India’s top-tier men’s professional football competition. The two newly constituted bodies are aimed at ensuring better transparency, stronger oversight, and smoother day-to-day operations, while balancing the interests of the federation, clubs, and commercial partners. The Governing Council, which will act as the apex supervisory body, will consist…

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…

In a landmark moment for Indian football, Coca-Cola has joined hands with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to sponsor the Indian Women’s National Football Team for the next three years. The announcement was made by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey during the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour event held in New Delhi on Saturday. The association marks one of the most significant corporate partnerships for Indian women’s football and comes at a crucial juncture, with the national teams across age groups preparing for major continental assignments. Over the past year, Indian women’s football has gained considerable momentum after qualifying…

At just 14, Ketan Kushwaha is already living a dream many can only imagine. The Shrachi Bengal Tigers rookie has scripted history by becoming the youngest player to feature in the Hockey India League (HIL), and the teenager from Jhansi is soaking in every moment of his rapid rise. Ketan’s journey into hockey began in the simplest of ways, by following his elder brother to the ground. “I used to go to the ground with my brother to watch hockey matches. The first time I went, I really developed an interest in the game,” Ketan told RevSportz. “Then I kept…

Finally, there is some relief for Indian football fans. After weeks of uncertainty, the leagues are set to return from mid-February. It may be late, but at this stage, it was absolutely necessary. Significant damage has already been done because of the prolonged impasse. A few more weeks of delay could have made the situation far more threatening and difficult to recover from. On Tuesday, Union Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya’s announcement, came as music to the ears of many—fans and footballers alike—though perhaps not entirely so for the club owners. The league will be played in a truncated format, which,…

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, on Tuesday announced that the Indian Super League (ISL), which had been stalled due to the absence of a commercial partner and ongoing uncertainty, will resume on February 14, with all 14 clubs participating. The announcement followed a high-level stakeholder meeting in Delhi involving the Union Government, officials of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and representatives of ISL clubs, including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Dr Mandaviya said the prolonged impasse surrounding the league had now been resolved. “There was a lot of speculation regarding the ISL,” he said.…

As Indian football continues to wait for clarity over the future of the Indian Super League, frustration within the player community has reached a breaking point. With no confirmed start date, no clear roadmap, and months of inactivity behind them, players are now speaking openly about the personal and professional toll of the prolonged uncertainty. Odisha FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who has been away from competitive football for more than seven months, has voiced the concerns shared by players across the country. In an exclusive interaction with RevSportz, the experienced custodian laid bare the realities footballers are currently facing. From…

has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as Chelsea’s next head coach, following the departure of Enzo Maresca. The 41-year-old, currently in charge of French club Strasbourg, is understood to be the preferred option among Chelsea’s hierarchy as they begin the process of appointing a new manager. Maresca left the club earlier this week after internal differences with the ownership group, bringing an end to a short, successful and turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge. With Chelsea keen to maintain continuity in their footballing philosophy, Rosenior’s name has quickly risen to the top of the list. One of…