Odisha FC have decided to withdraw from the upcoming Super Cup, citing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). With the exception of Odisha, all ISL clubs have confirmed their participation. However, three of them — Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Mumbai City FC — have conditionally agreed to compete, pending clarity on broadcasting rights and the tournament structure.
The Super Cup is scheduled to begin in the last week of October in Goa, across two venues. An official confirmation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is awaited.
According to sources close to the Odisha camp, the club has expressed serious doubts regarding the football calendar as the AIFF is yet to release a tender for a new commercial partner for the ISL. This follows Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and AIFF jointly submitting a proposal to the Supreme Court for an open tender process to select a fresh partner to run the league.
Amid this lack of clarity, Odisha FC have chosen not to resume full-scale operations and are reluctant to field a team in the Super Cup. While the club has not formally shut down, the owner has confirmed that operations are currently on hold due to major challenges — including inadequate infrastructure, uncertainty over the ISL season, and difficulties in securing sponsorships. Odisha suspended player and staff salaries in early August 2025, and sources indicate that payments are yet to be resumed.
Kerala Blasters, in contrast, have conditionally agreed to participate and are expected to field a team in the Super Cup, with their operations continuing as normal.
This year’s edition of the Super Cup will feature 16 teams, comprising ISL clubs and I-League sides. With Odisha’s withdrawal, the number of I-League participants will increase to four instead of the originally planned three. The AIFF has confirmed that the winners of the Super Cup will secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Two play-offs.
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