ISL clubs, AIFF and FSDL hold crucial meeting over 2025-26 season roadmap

AIFF highlights uninterrupted national activity across all levels of Indian football.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF), on Thursday, August 7, 2025, convened a meeting with Indian Super League (ISL) clubs in New Delhi.

The meeting, chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, brought together key stakeholders, including club CEOs of 13 clubs, representatives from FSDL, and AIFF representatives, Vice President Shri NA Haris, Treasurer Shri Kipa Ajay, Chairperson, Finance Committee, Shri Menla Ethenpa, and Chairperson, League Committee, Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, to address the clubs.

Also Read: AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey reaffirms ISL 2025-26; confirms Super Cup to take place before league

Super Cup proposed ahead of ISL to accommodate AFC timeline

The AIFF reassured the clubs that the top-tier league will be held in the country, as has been the norm over the years.

The federation suggested that the Super Cup be held before the start of the league, which will allow all clubs to end the 2025-26 season by May 31, 2026, preserving India’s AFC competition eligibility.

“Football is a matter of national interest. Individuals may change, but the game must go on,” said the AIFF President.

“Given the pre-season requirements and the tight calendar, the Super Cup is expected to take place before the ISL to provide clubs with six to eight weeks of pre-season.”

Follow-up meeting in 10 days to finalise Super Cup dates and logistics

A follow-up meeting is expected in the next 7–10 days to finalise the Super Cup kick-off date and related logistics. Chaubey assured that all football activities and tournaments will proceed as committed.

“We have 22 national tournaments (including ISL), with over 1,800 matches played last year. Football in India will continue uninterrupted, like, Madhya Pradesh, the U17 women’s and the U23 men’s national teams which are camping in Bengaluru, and the U20 women’s national team, which is currently playing the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Myanmar, and the AIFF Futsal Club Championship, which began on August 3, in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand,” he said.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.