New Delhi: All 14 clubs confirmed participation for Indian Super League’s 2025-26 edition on Monday, though a bunch of them want a helping hand from the All India Football Federation financially and strategically before making an “informed decision” over long-term commitments.
After verbally agreeing in front of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on January 6, at least six clubs offered conditional support to play in the truncated edition of the top-tier competition.
These clubs wanted waiver of Rs 1 crore participation fee along with reduction of costs for hosting matches and though they haven’t deviated from those entirely, it hasn’t prevented them from giving nod, having achieved little headway even after months of deliberation.
Odisha FC, who had suspended operations in August last year, and pulled out of Durand Cup and Super Cup insisting on long-term financial roadmap before committing to play, also agreed having expressed inability to shoulder operational cost of the tournament.
To keep costs under control, a single leg home and away format has been picked to complete the 2025-25 edition by the season-ending date of May 31 after kick-off on February 14.
As it wouldn’t fulfill the Asian Football Confederation’s criteria of each team playing a minimum of 24 matches for eligibility in continental competitions, AIFF will seek special exemption to keep its two-slot quota citing legal disputes and contractual logjam behind the match shortfall.
Fixtures and match schedule is expected to be announced in this week itself a tenders are issued to secure broadcast and commercial partners on Wednesday and Thursday.
Selection of venues
On Saturday, AIFF had set a deadline of Monday for finalisation of home venues and was able to persuade clubs into an affirmative response of participation even as at least four clubs are looking for back-up venues for their home games.
Clubs confirmed participation separately but their correspondences were similar.
Chennaiyin FC sought AIFF’s communication to the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, to play in Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium “at no cost” while Mumbai City is in search for a suitable venue as making Andheri Sports Complex’s pitch match ready would take time and cost a lot of money.
Kerala Blasters are looking towards EMS Stadium Calicut as making Kaloor stadium ready within a month adds to their expenses.
Mumbai, Chennaiyin and Odisha are looking towards Goa as back-up option should their designated home grounds of Mumbai Football Arena, JLN Chennai and Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar prove not be to be cost effective.
ISL’s 2025-26 edition is set to kick-off on February 14. Photo: ISL Media
Kolkata-based clubs Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting have Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kishore Bharati Krirangan and several other grounds to choose from.
FC Goa have Fatorda Stadium while Jawaharlal Nehru Stadum in Delhi would be the home venue for Sporting Club Delhi and Punjab FC. Jamshedpur FC are cosy at their JRD Tata Complex and Bengaluru FC have Kanteerava Stadium.
Since newly-promoted Inter Kashi’s home stadium in Varanasi, for which they have recently signed a MoU with CM Anglo Bengali College, would be operational only around Diwali, the I-League champions have expressed willingness to be on the road for all their matches.
Participation fee & relegation
Without any source of revenue, bleeding clubs also reiterated request to AIFF for waiver of participation fee to ease of financial burden on them.
“We would be grateful for your consideration in this regard and seek a meeting to discuss this before proceeding further,” one club wrote on Monday.
Out of the estimated Rs 24.26 crore expenditure for the tournament, AIFF’s initial contribution would be Rs 9.77 crore as against cumulative Rs 14 crore for clubs, which they remain reluctant to pay.
Relegation is another bone of contention that has been highlighted in every discussion between them over the last few months.
In addition to pointing out that some clubs have spent over 300 crores over the course of 10 years, clubs have pointed out that “last minute” scheduling of the season has left them without sufficient time for squad formation.
“There also has been a very long gap since the existing players trained as a unit, enforcing a relegation system in this season will be unfair to those committed to the long term growth of the sport. Accordingly, we request that you provide clarity on the same at the earliest,” the club said.
Timelines for commitments
Since clubs have been assured of having a say in ISL’s commercial matters, they want a “consultation meeting” prior to any AIFF announcement.
To make an “informed decision” before signing participation agreement for the next 20 years, five days prior to AIFF issuing a tender for 2026-27 season onwards on February 20, clubs said they needed to understand terms negotiated with commercial partner for better visibility on projected profit and loss vis-a-vis central revenue and sought removal of “discrepancy” over timelines.