Will the ISL Take Place This Year? Kalyan Chaubey Confirms
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Synopsis
Get ready for exciting news in Indian football! Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF president, has assured fans that the Indian Super League will take place this year despite uncertainties. Plus, the Super Cup is set for September, promising thrilling matches ahead. Stay tuned for all the updates!
Key Takeaways
- ISL is confirmed to occur this year.
- AIFF is not intervening in club operations.
- Super Cup scheduled for September.
- FC Goa is the current Super Cup champion.
- Winners will enter AFC Champions League Two.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing ambiguity regarding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL), the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kalyan Chaubey, has confidently stated that the premier football league in the country will proceed this year.
He also emphasized that the AIFF will refrain from intervening in the operational matters of clubs, which includes the handling of payments to both players and staff.
Chaubey's comments follow the suspension of first-team activities by several ISL clubs, which have put their operations on hold indefinitely after the ISL 2025-26 season was paused by its organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), due to the unresolved status of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with the AIFF.
The current 15-year MRA, established between FSDL and AIFF in 2010, is due to expire on December 18.
On Thursday, the AIFF convened with club CEOs in New Delhi to discuss matters regarding Indian football. Following the discussions, Chaubey reiterated the commitment to hosting ISL this year, though he did not provide any specific plans and chose not to comment on the teams' suspensions.
"The ISL will be held this year. There is no doubt about that," Chaubey asserted during a press conference after the meeting with club executives. "However, the decision to pay their players or staff lies with the clubs. Our role is not to intervene - that’s how all top leagues function," he added.
Moreover, the AIFF president suggested that the Super Cup be organized during the second or third week of September, allowing ISL clubs sufficient time to prepare amidst the league's uncertain status.
"We are looking at the Super Cup being held in the second or third week of September. Teams need around six to eight weeks to gear up and bring back their players. We'll announce the kick-off date in our next meeting," Chaubey mentioned.
The Super Cup, which replaced the Federation Cup in 2018, has typically been held in Bhubaneswar, with the exception of the 2023 edition, which took place in Kerala. In the latest tournament, FC Goa, led by former Indian head coach Manolo Marquez, clinched the title by defeating Jamshedpur FC, coached by current Indian team's head coach Khalid Jamil, in the final.
The champions of this year's Super Cup will secure a place in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Two, offering a crucial international opportunity amidst the prevailing uncertainty in the domestic football landscape.
Point of View
The commitment of AIFF to maintain the ISL this year demonstrates a proactive approach to stabilize Indian football amidst challenges. By ensuring clubs have the autonomy to manage their operations, it reinforces the trust in the league's structure while also paving the way for competitive events like the Super Cup, which can bolster the sport's visibility and international opportunities.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Indian Super League start this year?
The Indian Super League is confirmed to take place this year, though specific dates have not yet been announced by the AIFF.
What is the Super Cup and when is it scheduled?
The Super Cup is planned for the second or third week of September, providing ISL clubs with essential competitive matches.
What challenges are ISL clubs facing?
Several ISL clubs have suspended their first-team operations due to uncertainties surrounding the Master Rights Agreement with the AIFF.
Who won the last Super Cup?
The last Super Cup was won by FC Goa, who triumphed over Jamshedpur FC in the final.
What opportunities does the Super Cup provide?
The winners of the Super Cup will secure a spot in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Two, offering a significant international opportunity.
