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. “Today, the government, the football federation, and representatives of all 14 clubs met and decided that the ISL will start on February 14. All clubs will participate.”
The I-League, which was also on hold, will be conducted around the same time, featuring all 11 clubs, ensuring continuity across India’s top two men’s football competitions.
Providing further details, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said the ISL will be played in a single-leg, home-and-away format, comprising 91 matches. The I-League, meanwhile, will be a shortened competition with 55 matches.
Addressing concerns over funding, Chaubey revealed that a central pool of ₹25 crore has been created for the conduct of the ISL. “Ten percent of this amount will come from the AIFF. Thirty percent was earlier earmarked for a commercial partner, but since there is none at present, the AIFF will step in to cover that share,” he said. In total, the AIFF will contribute ₹14 crore towards the ISL and approximately ₹3.2 crore for the I-League until a commercial partner is finalised.
Chaubey also confirmed that a Governing Council Board will be constituted to oversee the leagues in the future, with the authority to take all commercial decisions.
The Sports Minister acknowledged that the delay had been caused by legal and administrative hurdles but stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring competitive opportunities for athletes. “Sports in the country can only grow when players get regular opportunities to compete,” he said. “It is the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister that Indian sport should not suffer, and I am glad we could resolve this issue.”
In addition, the AIFF announced structural changes across competitions. I-League Division 1 and Division 2 will be merged, with 40 teams across five zones taking part. The Indian Women’s League (IWL) will also be held, with full funding support from the AIFF.
The resumption of the ISL brings an end to months of uncertainty and provides a much-needed boost to Indian football ahead of the 2025–26 season.
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