In a significant development amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Indian football’s top tier, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced its decision to conduct the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025-26 season. This move comes after months of delay caused primarily by the absence of a new commercial rights holder, following the expiry of the previous agreement.
The decision was formalised during a meeting of the AIFF’s Emergency Committee, which reviewed and endorsed recommendations from a specially formed ISL Coordination Committee. Established in late December 2025, this committee comprised representatives from three state associations: Navas Meeran from Kerala, Dr Caitano José Fernandes from Goa, Anirban Dutta from West Bengal, with AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan in an advisory role.
The coordination panel’s recommendations emphasised urgent action to launch the season, including promptly declaring the kick-off schedule and settling on a condensed competition structure. It stressed that the AIFF, as the league’s governing authority, should intervene decisively if participating teams cannot agree on terms.
The core issue has been the lack of a broadcasting and sponsorship deal, leading to financial concerns for clubs and halting preparations.
The announcement provides a glimmer of hope for fans and stakeholders, signalling the federation’s commitment to ensuring professional football continues at the highest level. However, challenges remain, including finalising the format, likely a centralised venue set-up to reduce costs, and securing participation from all 14 teams.
Prominent players released a heartfelt video appeal days ago, titled “Save Indian Football.” Featuring icons like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan, alongside other domestic and international stars, the message urged global bodies FIFA and FIFPRO to intervene, highlighting the risks to players’ livelihoods and the sport’s future in the country.
As dates are set to be disclosed shortly, attention now turns to whether this federation-led initiative can swiftly overcome logistical and financial hurdles, restoring momentum to India’s premier football competition.
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