Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee unconvinced about Super Cup without clarity on ISL future

Kerala Blasters were one of the seven ISL clubs that skipped the Durand Cup 2025 amid the uncertainty over the season.

Following the high-stakes AIFF-FSDL-ISL CEO meeting in New Delhi, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey reaffirmed that both the Indian Super League and the Super Cup will go ahead this year, with the latter set to precede the league.

He pitched the Super Cup as a way to give clubs six to eight weeks of competitive pre-season action before the Indian Super League (ISL) kicks off. However, the ISL clubs didn’t seem too convinced with the idea.

Speaking on KhelNow TV in the first episode of the Indian Football Forum, Kerala Blasters FC CEO Abhik Chatterjee explained why the Super Cup solution was not viable.

“As for the Super Cup, we are hesitant to participate as an isolated tournament, just like we opted out of the Durand Cup. Most clubs share this stance, seeking clarity on the league’s future before committing,” said Abhik Chhaterjee, speaking to Khel Now.

He also shared his thoughts on the league’s uncertain future, the strained ties between AIFF and ISL clubs, Kerala’s push to nurture homegrown talent, the idea of hosting home games across multiple venues, and the big question of whether the Blasters would participate in the tournament.

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

Why are teams reluctant to participate in the Super Cup?

Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee believes that it is impractical for clubs to compete in an isolated tournament like the Super Cup when the future of the top-tier league remains uncertain. He feels that this is the primary reason why many ISL clubs skipped the Durand Cup.

He also shared that it is difficult for clubs to afford playing a few matches at a neutral venue without league continuity or commercial returns. He emphasised that clubs have already invested over 300 crores in the system, and it is unreasonable for clubs to invest more in such turbulent times.

“While we respect the AIFF’s intent to streamline the calendar, clubs cannot afford to bear heavy costs without a clear direction. Now, if we look at this from a club standpoint, it’s the same situation as with the Durand Cup decision: if there’s no guarantee about where we’re headed, why should we incur costs right now?

You bring the players over, you play the tournament, and then what—send them back again? That adds up to a lot of expenses, and when you’re already facing steep bills, why increase them if there’s no certainty about what comes next?

He pointed out that clubs face significant expenses when bringing players for events like the Super Cup, especially when the future of the league is not guaranteed.

Since players are mainly hired to play in league matches and sponsors invest in league exposure, it doesn’t make financial sense for clubs to spend more on extra tournaments that don’t provide much revenue.

The Super Cup, held at a neutral venue with just a few games, doesn’t offer the same financial benefits as league games, making it a tough decision for clubs already dealing with high costs.

Obviously, our players are primarily employed to play in the league throughout the year, and when even that’s not guaranteed, it affects everything. Commercial partners sign on mainly for the league’s exposure, and our revenue is accrued through league games—not the Super Cup. The Super Cup is played in a three-game format at a neutral location, so we don’t really earn anything from it.,” he said.

Massive investments but no clear returns

Abhik Chatterjee highlighted the financial strain clubs are under, stressing that ISL teams have already poured over crores into the system without any guaranteed returns or even basic financial forecasts.

He pointed out that commercial interest is almost non-existent at the moment, making it unrealistic for any investor to approve further spending without clarity.

While fans may call for participation in the name of supporting Indian football, Chatterjee emphasised that the reality is far more complicated, with suspended operations affecting players and staff across all levels, from CEOs to sporting directors.

“Clubs have already invested over ₹300 crores in the system, and without guaranteed returns or even basic financial projections, we are being asked to operate blindly. Right now, there is almost zero commercial interest, and it’s unreasonable to expect any investor to sign off on a blank cheque.”

“Fans may demand participation in the name of duty to Indian football, but the reality is far more complex, when salaries are suspended for players, staff across all levels, from CEOs to sporting directors, are impacted too.”

Kerala Blasters CEO urges federation, clubs and commercial partners to stick together

Amidst such uncertainties over the future of the Indian Super League, Abhik feels that it is not the right time to blame each other and point fingers. He feels that the relationship between ISL Clubs, AIFF and commercial partners is similar to that of a tripod; if any of the legs remain weak, the entire system will collapse.

He added that this is a very delicate stage and a crucial time for Indian football, where the livelihood of millions, including players, coaching staffs, commercial partners, physios, media and many others related to the league are at stake.

He said, “Irrespective of what has happened in the past, the federation, the commercial partners and the clubs must work closely together and see eye to eye on it. It’s like a tripod; if any of the legs remain weak, the entire system will collapse. Everybody must be on the same page without pointing fingers and blaming each other for what has gone wrong in the past.”

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