The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has instructed Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to submit details of their home match venues by Monday noon. This will enable the AIFF to begin scheduling the delayed
season, which is set to commence on February 14.
On Tuesday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the ISL’s restart on February 14, after a pause due to the absence of a commercial partner. All 14 clubs will participate.
The ISL will include 91 matches on a home-and-away basis, assuming full participation by the 14 clubs.
“We would like to reiterate the AIFF’s proposal to organise the 2025-26 season of the ISL with co-operation from the participating clubs,” the AIFF said in the letter from its Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayan.
“In order to assist AIFF finalise broadcast partners, commercial rights partners and the fixtures for the upcoming season, we request you to confirm the details of the venue that you will play your home matches at, not later than 12 noon on 12 January 2026.”
Why Home Venue?
Upon receiving confirmation and the deposit, the AIFF will share the draft framework for ISL governance, draft RFPs to appoint broadcast and commercial rights partners for the 2025-26 season, seek exemptions from AFC regarding ACL 2 slots, work on fixtures, and prepare participation agreements.
“AIFF will also take best efforts to co-ordinate with competent authorities at venue (s), to enable seamless organisation of the upcoming season of the ISL. AIFF is also committed to liaising with the Asian Football Confederation and seeking the necessary exemptions for the upcoming season.”
Regarding the league’s financial aspect, the AIFF proposed a budget of INR 24.26 crore for the 2025-26 season. The AIFF will initially contribute INR 9.77 crore, with each participating club contributing INR 1 crore.
“We would like to reassure you that the AIFF is in parallel taking all necessary steps to put the proposal into effect, in letter and spirit.”
The AIFF had previously stated that it is willing to accept the participation fee of INR 1 crore per club in instalments up to June 2026 if immediate payment is not possible.
(With inputs from Agencies)
