AIFF asks ISL clubs to confirm participation for 2026-27 season
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has asked Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to confirm whether they will play in the 2026-27 season by June 15. Clubs have also been told to pay a participation fee of ₹1 crore for the league.
The AIFF is planning to begin the new football season with the Durand Cup in July. The 14-team ISL season is expected to start in early September with a home-and-away format.
An AIFF official and a club CEO confirmed the plans after meetings between club owners, league officials, and the federation. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to speak publicly on the matter.
ISL clubs raise concerns over uncertainty
Late on Friday evening, ISL clubs released a joint statement through the X account of Kerala Blasters FC. The statement said clubs may rethink their participation in the next ISL season “because of the continued uncertainty surrounding professional football in India.”
A meeting of the ISL governing council, which includes club owners and AIFF representatives, is likely to take place before June 15.
Meanwhile, ISL clubs led by FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur submitted a new proposal to the AIFF. The clubs promised to arrange nearly ₹60 crore every season to operate the ISL and a cup competition.
The clubs also said they were ready to match most of the commitments made by Genius Sports. The company has reportedly offered $7 million every year for the next 15+5 years to become the commercial partner of Indian football.
Both proposals will now be discussed at a special AIFF general body meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.
