The future of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season remains stalled for now as Sunday's (December 28) meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the clubs couldn't bring out any solution.
AIFF called for an all-club discussion regarding the future of the ISL season, which is yet to start as the calendar is poised to turn in a couple of days.
MyKhel understands the meeting, which was held, had discussions regarding the payment structure and the venues. Here's what panned out at the meeting-
Centralized Venue
There won't be home and away fixtures this season. Due to logistical issues and a lack of time, the league will be held across two or three venues. Kolkata and Goa are the firm favourites to host the ISL this season. Although Kerala was in the race, the Southern state has fallen behind due to its lack of training facilities.
Funding of the ISL
With no commercial partners, the clubs asked AIFF about the funding of the league. Even if the clubs chip in for the long-term future, the immediate proceedings require around Rs 70 crore, which needs to be funded by the federation. The clubs sought clarity over the financial payments and asked for AIFF's assurance to sustain the league.
"We understand about the long-term future, but who will bear the expenses now? The federation was asked the same, and we require more clarity on the financial part," a club official told MyKhel.
The AFC Conundrum
Another big issue associated with ISL this season is the lack of matches. As per the AFC rule, a club can only take part in AFC competitions when it plays a minimum of 24 domestic league matches in a season. This ISL season will breach three key AFC rules, which may hinder clubs' participation in the continental tournaments next season.
FC Goa have qualified for the AFC Champions League Two qualifiers (playoffs), while the ISL Shield Winner this season is supposed to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two group stages directly.
The federation has already submitted a request to AFC to consider the two spots for Indian clubs (ISL Shield Winner, Super Cup Winner), citing the current circumstances, and the latest update on the ISL future will be communicated in a couple of days' time.
Relegation Tussle Continues
There was discussion regarding the relegation system as well. The ISL teams have enjoyed a relegation-free joyride so far, but that model will diminish soon. The timeline remains an apple of discord. The relegation-threatened clubs want the relegation system to be implemented from next season, which is subject to more discussion.
Clubs wait for Clarity
Although AIFF asked for another meeting with the clubs to discuss the long-term future of the league, the clubs have sought greater clarity. 14 clubs joined the AIFF meeting on Sunday, including the newly promoted Inter Kashi. East Bengal joined the talks, despite not signing the joint letter to AIFF a few days earlier.
