Indian football is facing uncertainty as AIFF and ISL clubs once again failed to finalise plans for the 2025-26 season. Key issues like scheduling and AFC competition eligibility were discussed in the latest meeting, but with no clear outcome.
The crisis surrounding Indian football continues as the
All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs met once again on Sunday to finalise plans for the 2025-26 season, but no clear outcome emerged from the discussions. According to a report by The Hindu, the meeting ended without any decisions on key issues such as funding, scheduling and Asian competition qualification.
In the latest development, clubs agreed that the upcoming ISL season will be held at two or three centralised venues instead of the traditional home-and-away format. This decision was taken due to time constraints and ongoing uncertainty around the league’s operations. Although
AIFF had earlier indicated that the season could start in February, the final dates could not be confirmed in the latest meeting.
The discussions mainly focused on short-term financial and qualification models. One of the biggest concerns raised by the clubs was funding. With the ISL currently without a commercial partner after Football Sports Development Limited’s (FSDL) 10-year contract ended, clubs asked whether AIFF has the financial capacity to run the league on its own if no sponsor is found.
AIFF plans to approach AFC
Another major issue discussed was India’s participation in Asian competitions. India currently has two slots in the AFC Champions League Two. However, AFC rules require teams to play at least 24 matches in a season, have an eight-month-long league, and follow a home-and-away format. As per AIFF’s proposed centralised ISL model for the upcoming season, teams would play only 15 matches.
Because of this, ISL clubs fear that India could lose its AFC slots. The AIFF reportedly plans to approach the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and request an exemption, citing “extraordinary circumstances.” As per AFC rules, the federation can submit its proposed league methodology by March 31.
The ISL season was originally scheduled to begin in September but has been delayed due to AIFF’s failure to secure a new commercial partner after FSDL’s exit. Despite being allowed by the Supreme Court to auction the league’s rights, AIFF has so far failed to attract bidders. While
ISL clubs offered to run the league themselves, no agreement could be reached, further deepening the uncertainty.
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