Mumbai: The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to return on February 14, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed on Tuesday, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding India’s top-tier football competition. The league had been put on hold due to the absence of a commercial partner.
Following a crucial meeting involving the central government, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and representatives of all participating clubs, it was decided that the ISL will go ahead with the participation of all 14 teams.
“There was a lot of speculation around the ISL,” Mandaviya said while announcing the decision. “Today, the government, the football federation and all 14 clubs—including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—met and jointly decided that the ISL will begin on February 14. All clubs will participate.”
League Format and Participating Clubs
According to an official AIFF statement, the 14 teams will compete in a single-leg round-robin format, with detailed fixtures to be announced after further consultations with the clubs. The participating sides include Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, SC Delhi, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, and Inter Kashi.
The ISL season will feature a total of 91 matches, played on a home-and-away basis, with logistical arrangements currently being finalised.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, who joined the Sports Minister at the announcement, elaborated on the financial framework supporting the league’s return.
Financial Backing and Governance
Chaubey revealed that a central pool of ₹25 crore has been created solely to ensure the conduct of the ISL. “Ten percent of this fund will come from AIFF, while 30 percent was initially expected from a commercial partner. Since a partner is not available at the moment, AIFF will cover that share,” he said.
“In total, AIFF will contribute ₹14 crore for the ISL and approximately ₹3.2 crore for the I-League until a commercial partner is secured,” Chaubey added.
He also announced that a Governing Council Board will be constituted to oversee the leagues in the future, with full authority to take commercial decisions.
What Lies Ahead for the I-League
The I-League, which had also been suspended, will resume around the same period as the ISL. All 11 clubs will take part in a shortened version of the competition, which will consist of 55 matches.
With firm timelines now in place, Indian football looks set to return to action, offering relief to clubs, players, and fans alike after a prolonged period of uncertainty.
