AIFF Confirms 13 Clubs for ISL 2025-26 with Odisha FC Decision Pending
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that 13 clubs will participate in the upcoming 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, with Odisha FC’s participation still pending. The league, which was delayed due to the lack of a commercial partner, is scheduled to kick off on February 14. The AIFF hopes that Odisha FC will confirm their involvement by January 9, allowing the league organizers to finalize schedules, fixtures, and logistics.
Odisha FC’s Participation Remains Key
While 13 clubs have officially confirmed their participation, Odisha FC requested additional time until Thursday to make a final decision. A source familiar with the matter stated, “The AIFF is hoping that Odisha FC will confirm their participation soon, after which the league schedule and match arrangements can be finalized in consultation with all clubs.”
The uncertainty stems from Odisha FC suspending player and staff contracts in August of last year and skipping the Durand Cup and Super Cup competitions in 2025. Their eventual confirmation will determine whether the ISL features 91 matches or 78 matches for the season. Each team is slated to play 13 matches if Odisha FC joins, but the number drops to 12 per team if they pull out.
Scheduling Challenges Ahead
The truncated ISL season presents a tight scheduling challenge. With the previous season concluding on April 12, organizers must accommodate 91 matches in a compressed window. Additionally, a FIFA international window from March 23-31 for India’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers adds further complexity. The league will also need to consider extreme heat conditions in April, which may impact players and match timings.
“Each team will decide how many home and away matches they play after evaluating different factors,” the source added. The AIFF will manage essential expenses, such as referees and match commissioners, but the clubs will handle most hosting costs.
Financial Arrangements and Participation Fees
To ease financial pressure on the clubs, the AIFF has allowed them to pay the participation fee of Rs 1 crore in installments until June 2026. This flexibility ensures that clubs can focus on competitive performance without immediate financial strain. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey elaborated on the league’s financial model, revealing a Rs 25 crore central pool dedicated to conducting the ISL. The federation contributes Rs 14 crore, while the remainder is expected from legacy clubs and a future commercial partner.
“A 10 percent contribution comes from AIFF, 30 percent was expected from a commercial partner, but we are covering that shortfall for now,” Chaubey explained. He added that the government may step in to support the league if additional assistance is needed.
Commercial Partner Tender and Future Planning
The ISL has been in limbo following the end of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with FSDL, owned by the Reliance Group, on December 8, 2025. Negotiations over the MRA fell through, causing delays in confirming commercial partners. A new tender for both the 2025-26 season and a long-term 20-year deal starting 2026-27 is expected by January 15, with a commercial partner to be onboarded by January 31.
The AIFF plans to establish a Governing Council Board to manage all league operations and make commercial decisions, ensuring a structured approach to the league’s growth. This governance framework will provide transparency and stability for clubs, players, and sponsors.
Importance of Odisha FC’s Confirmation
Odisha FC’s decision will directly influence the league’s format. If they participate, the ISL will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis. If they withdraw, the total number of matches will drop to 78, impacting scheduling, broadcasting arrangements, and player fitness planning.
The AIFF remains optimistic about Odisha FC joining the league, citing the club’s importance in maintaining competitive balance and geographic representation. The federation is also in discussion with other stakeholders to ensure that the league runs smoothly, even with a compressed timeline.
Challenges for Clubs in the Compressed Season
The shortened ISL season requires careful planning from all clubs. Teams must manage player workload, travel logistics, and tactical preparation while competing in consecutive fixtures. Coaches will need to rotate squads effectively, especially during the mid-season FIFA window, to prevent injuries and maintain performance levels.
This schedule also places a premium on recovery and fitness programs. Clubs that can maintain player health and consistent form will have a competitive edge in the league. AIFF’s flexible payment system and governance structure are intended to mitigate off-field pressures, allowing teams to concentrate on on-field results.
Strategic Goals for AIFF and ISL
AIFF’s objective with the 2025-26 ISL season is to maintain the league’s visibility, attract commercial partners, and engage football fans across India. Despite the truncated format, the federation hopes to deliver high-quality matches and uphold the league’s reputation as India’s top-tier football competition.
The successful execution of this season is vital for growing fan engagement, promoting local talent, and sustaining interest in Indian football. By managing club participation, scheduling, and finances strategically, AIFF aims to position the ISL as a premier sports property for both domestic and international audiences.
Conclusion: Looking Forward to February Kickoff
As the ISL prepares to kick off on February 14, anticipation is high among fans and stakeholders. AIFF’s confirmation of 13 clubs, combined with hopes for Odisha FC’s participation, sets the stage for a competitive and exciting season. Despite financial, logistical, and scheduling challenges, the federation’s proactive approach ensures that the league will run smoothly.
Football enthusiasts across India are eager to see how clubs perform in the truncated season, with eyes on emerging talent, match intensity, and team strategies. The AIFF’s transparent planning, flexible financial arrangements, and governance initiatives promise a professional, fan-focused, and commercially viable league that continues to grow India’s football culture.
The ISL 2025-26 season will not only test team capabilities but also demonstrate the resilience of Indian football administration under challenging circumstances, paving the way for future expansion and sustainable growth of the sport nationwide.
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