Author: Rahul Giri

Rahul Giri NorthEast United FC successfully defended their Durand Cup crown, dismantling Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 at Salt Lake Stadium. Last year, the Highlanders had edged out Mohun Bagan in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the first-ever trophy in their history. This time, the final lacked the same intensity, as Diamond Harbour failed to replicate the heroics that saw them knock East Bengal out in the semifinals. Founded in 2020, Diamond Harbour have enjoyed a meteoric rise — from the CFL First Division to the I-League in just five years. Reaching the Durand Cup final is an achievement very…

Following the Supreme Court’s directive to resolve their ongoing dispute, the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) is reportedly ready to meet with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) within the next 24 to 48 hours. The meeting is a direct result of the court’s order to negotiate a settlement before the next hearing on August 28. According to sources, FSDL believes that ISL clubs, as major financial investors and key stakeholders, must be part of these discussions. This is not a new issue but a central part of FSDL’s position, which maintains that the clubs’ long-term interests and the league’s…

Rahul Giri The Supreme Court on Friday directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to resolve their differences over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), a dispute that has placed the future of Indian football in jeopardy. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices PSNarasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, following interventions by court-appointed advisors. The dispute had reached the court after the AIFF withdrew its earlier plea for an urgent resolution. At the heart of the tussle is the financial and operational framework governing the Indian Super League (ISL). While the AIFF has…

On August 22, 2025, a critical legal battle for the future of Indian football will be heard by the Supreme Court. The dispute is between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the company that runs the Indian Super League (ISL). The hearing comes after the AIFF backed away from seeking an urgent resolution, and it was only through the intervention of court-appointed advisors that the case was brought before Justices P. S. Narasimha and Atul Chandurkar. What’s at Stake? The main issue is the financial and operational model for the ISL. The ISL’s future…

East Bengal clinched a nerve-wracking Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, riding on a stunning brace from Dimitrios Diamantakos. The Greek striker, who had endured heavy criticism from fans after a disappointing season last year, turned the tide dramatically to become the toast of the Red-and-Gold faithful overnight. The night, however, began with Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad leading the line. Ahadad, who had scored in East Bengal’s last two outings, looked set to overshadow Diamantakos again. But fate intervened. Midway through the second quarter, Ahadad pulled up with a muscle strain and was forced off, paving the way…

Indian football’s greatest rivalry will take centre stage on Sunday night as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants meet in the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup. The iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan is expected to turn into a cauldron of colour and noise when the two giants collide at 7:00 PM in what promises to be the biggest spectacle of the tournament. This clash carries more weight than just a passage into the last four. The derby has always been about pride, legacy, and identity, and Sunday’s contest will be no different. Both teams arrive unbeaten from the group…

Newly appointed India men’s senior national team head coach Khalid Jamil, on Friday, 15 August 2025, announced a 35-man probable list for the Blue Tigers’ preparatory camp ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The camp will begin in Bengaluru on 16 August, with 22 players already reporting. The remaining 13 are expected to join after completing their Durand Cup 2025 commitments with their respective clubs. 🚨 Khalid Jamil announces 35-man probable squad for the #BlueTigers’ preparatory camp for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025!#IndianFootball https://t.co/1S5zEE6XKA — RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 15, 2025 India, drawn in Group B, will travel…

FC Goa booked their ticket to the AFC Champions League 2 group stage with a confident 2-1 victory over Oman’s Al Seeb in the single-leg preliminary stage at the Fatorda Stadium, joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant as the second Indian representative in the continental competition. This marks the Gaurs’ return to Asia’s elite stage after their historic 2021 campaign, when they became the first Indian club to compete in the AFC Champions League group phase. Head coach Manolo Marquez fielded all six of his overseas players in the starting line-up, with newcomer Paul Moreno slotting into defence and midfielder David…

FC Goa stand on the cusp of another historic continental foray as they prepare to take on Oman Professional League champions Al Seeb in a decisive, single-legged qualifier for the AFC Champions League Two. With home advantage at the Fatorda Stadium on Wednesday, the Gaurs will aim to carry their Super Cup-winning momentum into Asia’s restructured second-tier competition. The stakes could not be higher — the winner joins fellow Indian side Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who qualified directly after lifting the ISL Shield, in the main round. The losing team will drop into the AFC Challenge League. Different Roads to…

The 134th edition of the Durand Cup is proving to be more than just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport’s deep-rooted passion across India. With matches being held in multiple cities, the tournament has ignited an electrifying atmosphere, drawing record crowds and showcasing the unifying power of the game. NorthEast Derby Electrifies Shillong In a thrilling North East derby, defending champions North East United FC secured their place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC. While Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s double strike sealed the win, the real story was the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.…