Super Cup 2025 to feature fewer teams as I-League clubs opt out

Super Cup 2025 will be played from April 21, 2025.

The upcoming Super Cup is expected to feature fewer than 16 teams, with only two I-League clubs confirming their participation. The season-ending knockout competition, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), will take place in Odisha later this month.

Despite AIFF’s initial plan to include 13 Indian Super League (ISL) teams and three I-League clubs, only Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi have agreed to compete. As reported by The Times of India, I-League clubs have opted out, citing financial constraints and concerns over the tournament’s format.

Low Interest from I-League Clubs

The AIFF had invited all I-League clubs to register for the tournament, planning to hold a qualification round if more than three teams expressed interest. However, with just two clubs signing up, AIFF is now revising the tournament structure. As per the tentative schedule, ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will receive a bye at the pre-quarterfinal stage.

A club official talking to TOI explained why many I-League teams chose to sit out: “Spending money on an event where we might play just one match doesn’t make sense. The costs of an extra month’s salaries, travel, and accommodations outweigh the benefits. We would rather allocate those funds to next season’s budget.”

Fixtures Taking Shape

With the tournament lineup being finalized, Kerala Blasters are expected to face East Bengal in the opening match on April 20. FC Goa, who finished second in the ISL league stage, will take on the lower-ranked of the two I-League teams, to be decided on April 6. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC will face the higher-ranked I-League club.

An AIFF official mentioned that a few ISL teams have yet to submit their Participation Team Agreement. “We are still waiting for some confirmations before finalizing the fixtures,” an official said to TOI.

Road to Continental Football

The winner of the Super Cup will earn a spot in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, giving Indian clubs a shot at competing on the international stage. However, with limited participation from I-League sides, the competition’s structure may undergo further adjustments before kickoff.

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