Author: Rahul Giri

A majority of Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have formally responded to the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) recent directive seeking confirmation of participation in the 2025-26 season, stating that they are willing to take part only if key safeguards are established in writing. In a joint communication addressed to the AIFF, 13 ISL clubs excluding Jamshedpur FC outlined a set of conditions they believe are essential to ensure financial stability, transparency, and long-term sustainability of the league. The response comes after the federation’s December 31 letter asking clubs to confirm their participation and preferred competition format within a short…

Former India international and Inter d’Escaldes head coach Arata Izumi has delivered one of the most candid assessments of Indian football in recent times, calling for structural honesty, stronger coaching foundations and a long-term vision rooted in reality rather than rhetoric. In an exclusive interaction, Izumi who recently completed a season as head coach of Andorran top-division side Inter d’Escaldes reflected on his journey, Indian football’s present turmoil, and the deeper issues that continue to hold the sport back. “I never imagined I would become the head coach of a European top-division club,” Izumi said, recalling how his journey with…

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…

The Africa Cup of Nations once again delivered a night of drama, surprises and unforgettable moments, with Nigeria, Senegal and DR Congo all booking their places in the knockout rounds but not without controversy, chaos and compelling storylines. The standout image of the night came from Fes, where Uganda’s campaign unravelled in extraordinary fashion as they were forced to use three different goalkeepers in a 3–1 defeat against Nigeria, a rare and chaotic sight even by AFCON’s unpredictable standards. Nigeria, already assured of qualification, showed their depth and quality as they topped Group C with a perfect nine points. Raphael…

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver high drama both on and off the pitch, reinforcing its reputation as one of world football’s most vibrant and compelling tournaments. Morocco, the host nation, has transformed itself into a global football hub over the past week. Stadiums have not only been packed with passionate supporters but have also drawn several high-profile figures from the global game. Former France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has been a regular presence, closely following his son Luca, who has been guarding the goal for Algeria. French stars Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both…

The 2025–26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to be conducted in two or three centralised venues, with clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) yet to arrive at a final roadmap regarding finances, broadcast rights and continental qualification. The key developments emerged from a meeting held on Sunday between AIFF officials and representatives of the ISL clubs. Although AIFF committee member and IFA secretary Anirban Dutta had earlier indicated that the upcoming season could begin on February 5, no definitive start date was finalised. The uncertainty stems from unresolved issues surrounding the league’s operational structure,…

African football has always been a stage for extraordinary stories, but few in recent memory match the emotional power of Georgi Minoungou’s journey. On a dramatic night at the Africa Cup of Nations, the 23-year-old winger rose above adversity to script one of the tournament’s most stirring moments, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser for Burkina Faso against Equatorial Guinea and sparking a comeback that will long be remembered. When Minoungou found the net in the 95th minute, it was more than just a goal. It was the culmination of a battle few footballers ever have to fight. A battle against the…

In a significant step toward resolving the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League, the All India Football Federation has presented a detailed long-term proposal before the clubs, outlining a new governance, operational and financial structure for the league. The proposal was presented during a meeting convened to address concerns raised by clubs over the lack of clarity in the league’s future roadmap. Under the proposed model, the ISL would be owned and operated by the AIFF for a 20-year period, with each season running from June 1 to May 31. At the end of this cycle, all…

The year 2025 will be remembered as one of sharp contrasts in Indian football, a season that swung between historic achievements and deep-rooted structural failures. While Indian football celebrated unprecedented success in the women’s game and promising strides at the youth level, the men’s senior team endured one of its most turbulent phases in recent memory. As the year draws to a close, it leaves behind a complex narrative of hope, frustration, resilience and unanswered questions. Men’s National Team: A Year of Regression For the Indian men’s national team, 2025 proved to be a bruising chapter. The year began with…

The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have formally sought greater clarity from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on both the immediate and long-term structure of the competition ahead of the key meeting on Friday. In a letter addressed to the AIFF, ISL clubs, through Mohun Bagan Super Giant CEO Vinay Chopra, reiterated the need for a clearer roadmap before any decision is taken on the upcoming season. The communication comes ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled for December 26, where representatives of the clubs and the federation are expected to discuss the way forward. The committee, constituted by the…