-Rahul Giri
In a significant development for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with representatives of all 13 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and commercial partners Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to discuss the way forward for the 2025–26 season. The meeting was attended by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, vice-president N.A. Haris, treasurer Kipa Ajay, deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan and executive committee member Menla Ethenpa.
In a rare show of unity, all ISL clubs participated in the meeting—11 clubs sent their officials to New Delhi, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Odisha FC joined virtually.
The immediate outcome of the meeting was a mutual agreement to host the Super Cup before the start of the league season, a shift from previous years. The clubs, however, demanded clarity and legal assurance about the top-tier league structure before committing fully to the tournament.
“The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss how clubs can plan their year. Whatever the situation, the game must go on,” said AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. “Clubs asked about the way forward with the transfer window ending on the 31st and pre-season training also coming up.”
With legal uncertainties surrounding the top-tier league’s recognition, the AIFF said it will seek legal advice to explore interim solutions. This came after questions were raised about the delay in approaching the Supreme Court for urgent relief regarding the league’s status.
“We may reschedule the Super Cup to before the season starts. The current agreement is up for renewal, and we have agreed to modify the tournament to reduce logistics. Some clubs have not started pre-season, so we need 6-8 weeks for preparation. We will meet again to decide the date of the Super Cup,” added Chaubey.
Vice-pesident N.A. Haris acknowledged the legal roadblock, saying, “The decision lies with the Supreme Court, so we can’t do anything. We asked to get it fast, but it’s the Supreme Court’s decision.”
Tensions had been simmering in recent weeks, culminating in a joint letter signed by eight ISL clubs — Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United, Odisha FC, and Punjab FC — seeking clarity on the upcoming season’s structure. The letter raised serious concerns over scheduling, financial planning, and the absence of a formal roadmap.
In response, the AIFF extended invitations to the remaining five clubs — Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC and Mohammedan SC — to ensure that all stakeholders were part of the decision-making process. Mohun Bagan was the last to confirm its participation.
The AIFF also confirmed that the national team will participate in the upcoming CAFA Championship, alongside matches in Singapore. The Federation urged clubs to align their schedules in support of national team commitments.
Both the Super Cup and ISL are expected to take place this season, with the former likely kicking off first. A follow-up meeting is scheduled within the next 7–10 days to finalise the tournament’s structure, dates and format.
As things stand, Indian football remains at a crossroads, with the legal outcome yet to shape the final calendar. But Wednesday’s meeting offered a much-needed step toward clarity and collaboration between the country’s top governing body and its premier clubs.
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