Football: ISL to feature all 14 clubs, starts from feb 14
ISL to feature all 14 clubs, starts from feb 14 after being kept on hold for around 6 months because of contract issues between AIFF and FSDL
New Delhi: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that the Indian Super League 2025-26, featuring all 14 clubs, will start from February 14 after being kept on hold for around 6 months.
The Indian Super League, which used to start in September every year, was kept on hold due to some issues and will finally start from 14 February, which will be played in a single-leg home-and-away format with a total of 91 matches in the season.
Final scheduling and logistics will be worked out by the clubs in the coming weeks.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has said that the second division of the ISL will also restart around the same time, with all 11 clubs taking part in the format featuring 55 matches.
The ISL season was on hold because the contract between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the league’s organiser (FSDL) expired, and they couldn’t agree on new terms, leaving the league with no money or clear plan, causing clubs to stop operations and players to worry about their futures.
The 14 participating clubs: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammaden FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, SC Delhi, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, and Inter Kashi.
The Indian Women’s League will receive full funding, with officials describing it as a key part of the government’s effort to strengthen the women’s game.
