New Delhi:
The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025–26 season remains uncertain, as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday acknowledged delays and concerns over the league’s start. In response, the federation has proposed organizing the Super Cup from the second or third week of September to ensure that ISL clubs remain engaged with competitive fixtures.
The proposal was made during a high-level meeting between the AIFF and representatives of all 13 ISL clubs. The meeting was called amid rising concerns over the ISL season being put on hold due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and the league’s organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
🗣️ “We are anticipating [Super Cup] should be in the second or third week of September. Some teams need 6–8 weeks to complete prep and bring back players. In our next meeting, we’ll announce the kickoff date.” – AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey
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— The Bridge Football (@bridge_football) August 7, 2025
“AIFF proposes that the Super Cup football tournament start from the second or third week of September to ensure the ISL clubs get enough competitive matches,” said AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey following the meeting.
“The AIFF and all the 13 ISL clubs collectively took the decision in national interest. We will meet again in 7 to 10 days and take a final decision,” he added.
ISL Start Still Unclear, Changes Possible
Despite growing anxiety in the Indian football ecosystem, AIFF president Chaubey remained optimistic about the ISL season taking place albeit with possible modifications.
“We are hoping to have ISL this season, though it may be a bit late. We can do it with certain changes, maybe in format or other things. But that will be decided later, no decision on those things yet,” he clarified.
The ISL, India’s premier football league, traditionally runs from September to April. However, the current MRA between FSDL and AIFF is set to expire on December 8, 2025, which would be just three months into the new season if it begins on schedule.
Super Cup to Open Season?
Normally held at the end of the domestic football season, the Super Cup is now being considered as a season opener due to the delays in ISL scheduling. AIFF wants to ensure that clubs get ample playing time ahead of India’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualification matches against Singapore, scheduled for October 9 and 14. The Super Cup is expected to conclude before these national fixtures.
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Clubs Begin Suspending Operations Amid Uncertainty
Several ISL clubs have begun taking precautionary measures in light of the growing uncertainty. On Wednesday, two-time champions Chennaiyin FC announced a temporary suspension of operations for their first-team players and staff. This follows similar steps taken earlier by Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC.
During the AIFF meeting, representatives from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, and Odisha FC joined virtually, while delegates from the other ten ISL clubs were present in person in New Delhi.
While the proposal to launch the Super Cup early may offer a short-term fix, the long-term fate of the ISL remains tied to the renewal of the MRA between AIFF and FSDL. A follow-up meeting is expected in the next 7 to 10 days, where a final decision on the ISL season format and schedule may be made.
Until then, Indian football remains in a state of suspense with players, fans, and clubs all awaiting clarity on the country’s most prestigious domestic league.
