Indian Super League set to start on February 14 after clubs confirm participation
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The Indian Super League will kick off on February 14 after all 14 clubs confirmed their participation, officials said on Wednesday, ending months of uncertainty around India’s top football competition.
The ISL, which is usually played between September and April, was delayed after a commercial rights agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited expired on December 9. The expiry left the league without a commercial partner and raised doubts over whether the season would go ahead.
The uncertainty had a direct impact on clubs, with some teams, including defending champions Mohun Bagan, halting player salary payments and suspending football activities in December.
An AIFF source told AFP that while many clubs had agreed to participate earlier, the remaining teams gave their consent on Tuesday. Talks are continuing to finalise a home and away format for a 91-match season, following an announcement last week by sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya that all 14 clubs would compete.
The AIFF has invited bids for a new commercial partner under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee, but has so far failed to attract any bidders. Local media reports say the federation plans to take over the running of the league from the 2025-26 season under a 20-year proposal sent to clubs.
Launched in 2014 with international stars such as Alessandro Del Piero, the franchise-based league aimed to revive Indian football, but declining television ratings and fading sponsor interest have posed major challenges. India’s men’s team is currently ranked 142nd in the FIFA world rankings.