AIFF Meets ISL Clubs to Discuss 2025–26 Calendar, Super Cup Likely Before League Kick-off

Image Credit: AIFF

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) held a crucial meeting with Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Thursday to chart out the course for the upcoming 2025–26 football season. The meeting, chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, took place in New Delhi and saw the participation of CEOs from 13 ISL clubs, representatives from Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and key AIFF officials including Vice President Shri NA Haris, Treasurer Shri Kipa Ajay, Finance Committee Chairperson Shri Menla Ethenpa, and League Committee Chairperson Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar.

Reaffirming its commitment to hosting India’s top-tier league within the country, the AIFF proposed that the Super Cup be staged ahead of the ISL season. This scheduling shift would allow clubs to complete the season by May 31, 2026—ensuring India's compliance with AFC competition eligibility requirements.

“Football is a matter of national interest. Individuals may change, but the game must go on,” said Shri Kalyan Chaubey. He emphasised that the adjusted calendar would offer ISL clubs a six to eight-week pre-season window, allowing better preparation before league action resumes.

A follow-up meeting is expected within the next 7–10 days to finalise the Super Cup’s kick-off date and related logistics.

AIFF also reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted football activities across all age groups and formats. “We have 22 national tournaments (including ISL), with over 1,800 matches played last year. Football in India will continue uninterrupted,” Shri Chaubey assured. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the AIFF Futsal Club Championship in Rudrapur, the U17 women’s and U23 men’s camps in Bengaluru, and the U20 women’s national team’s participation in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Myanmar.