Mohammedan Sporting Club urge AIFF to be considered in ISL despite relegation
The Black and White Brigade wants to remain in ISL culture
Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohammedan Sporting Club have requested the All India Football Federation to allow them to participate in the league in the 2026-27 season, despite finishing in the relegation zone.
The Black and White Brigade has undergone a challenging 2025-26 campaign. Going through turmoil without an investor and a FIFA ban, the situation got worse as they finished the recent ISL season without a win and just three points.
Following Mohammedan SC’s bottom-place finish, the century-old club has been relegated according to the Supreme Court order and the constitutional guidelines. They are on the verge of missing out on ISL action in the upcoming season.
Mohammedan Sporting want to replace Diamond Harbour
However, Diamond Harbour FC, crowned as the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 champions, remains uncertain about participating in the ISL 2026-27 season. The IFL-winning club is now under investigation by the West Bengal government for its source of funds.
According to reports in TOI, Mohammedan Sporting Club management sees the situation as a potential “opportunity or vacancy” to avoid relegation.
General Secretary Wasim Akram brought up this matter to the AIFF and has sought to consider their participation, replacing Diamond Harbour FC.
“We understand that Diamond Harbour FC, despite securing promotion from the I-League, may not be in a position to participate in the upcoming ISL season due to internal operational constraints,” Akram wrote to AIFF as quoted by TOI.
“In light of this development, we humbly request the federation to kindly consider Mohammedan Sporting Club as a potential candidate for participation in the 2026-27 season,” he further added.
ISL managing committee to take the final call
Mohammedan Sporting Club’s appeal was discussed in AIFF’s special general body meeting on Saturday. However, the final decision on the Black and White Brigade’s participation is subject to the approval of the ISL managing committee, which is formed by five club representatives and three AIFF officials.
The Kolkata-based outfit, with a legacy of more than 135 years, endured ‘extraordinary challenges’ in recent times, severely plaguing its financial and operational structure. Following the FIFA ban, the Mohammedan Sporting Club became the only ISL side to field an all-Indian squad in the 2025-26 season.
However, the club believes that they are now in comparatively better shape with a newly appointed committee that has taken over the charges and is totally determined to take the club forward and overcome all the deficits in recent years.
“All pending financial dues and obligations towards players, staff, and other stakeholders will be cleared with immediate effect, strictly in accordance with the club licensing criteria and compliance framework laid down by AIFF and AFC.
“We remain fully committed to meeting every regulatory, operational, and financial requirement necessary to compete at the highest level of Indian football,” the club announced.
Where did Mohammedan Sporting finish in the ISL 2025-26?
Mohammedan Sporting finished at the bottom place in the ISL 2025-26 with just three points.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.