All 14 clubs confirm participation but decision on venues still awaited, claims report – Firstpost

All 14 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have officially confirmed their participation in the delayed 2025-26 season ahead of the league’s planned start on February 14. According to a PTI report, the clubs have now submitted written confirmation to the
All India Football Federation (AIFF), ending uncertainty over whether all teams would take part.

Earlier, some clubs had only agreed to participate “in principle” despite Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announcing on January 6 that the league would resume with all 14 teams. “Yes, all the 14 clubs have confirmed participation in writing,” an AIFF source was quoted as saying by PTI.

Confirmation on venues still awaited

While participation is now confirmed, clarity on venues is still awaited. The AIFF had asked clubs to submit details of their proposed home venues by Monday noon so that work on fixtures, broadcast arrangements and commercial partnerships could begin.

Many clubs have already shared venue details. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal plan to play at Salt Lake Stadium, FC Goa at Fatorda, Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, and NorthEast United in Guwahati, according to a Times of India report. Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC are also keen to play at home, though their venues may need some upgrades.

However, not all clubs will host home matches. Inter Kashi FC and Mohammedan Sporting have informed the AIFF that they are willing to play all their matches away from home this season. Inter Kashi said this decision was taken in the larger interest of Indian football, while cost considerations are believed to be a key reason behind Mohammedan Sporting’s move.

Mumbai City FC is yet to finalise its home venue, as the club is waiting for civic body elections to conclude. If the Mumbai Football Arena is unavailable, Goa or Kerala could be considered as alternative venues.

Meanwhile, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has said that a Governing Council Board will be formed to manage the league and take key commercial decisions. The AIFF and clubs are expected to hold an online meeting on Tuesday to discuss the formation of the governing body, venue issues, and the Request for Proposal (RFP) for selecting broadcast and commercial rights partners.

Financial matters are also on the agenda. The AIFF has proposed a total budget of around Rs 24.26 crore for the season, with an initial contribution of Rs 9.77 crore from the federation and Rs 1 crore from each club. The AIFF has also offered clubs the option to pay the participation fee in instalments until June 2026.

The ISL has been in limbo since last July after the AIFF’s commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), put the league on hold due to uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement, which officially ended in December 2025. A fresh tender for a commercial partner later failed to attract any bidders.