ISL Future In Doubt: AIFF Unveils 2025–26 Competitions Calendar Without Indian Super League

In a surprising move that has sparked uncertainty across Indian football circles, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) released its official competitions calendar for the 2025–26 season without any mention of the Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s current top-tier men’s football competition.

The ISL, launched in 2014 and recognised as India’s premier division since 2019, is facing an uncertain future. The absence of the league in the newly released AIFF calendar raises serious questions about its continuity, particularly with the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) — the league’s organisers — set to expire in December 2025. As of now, no extension or renewal has been announced.

In April, the AIFF Executive Committee had formed an eight-member task force to engage with FSDL and deliberate over the MRA’s future. However, no resolution has been reached, leaving stakeholders — especially clubs — in limbo. Without clarity on the ISL’s scheduling or structure, many clubs have had to delay or reconsider transfer strategies and pre-season preparations.

The 2025–26 season, instead, is set to begin with the historic Durand Cup (July 15 to August 23), followed by the Super Cup, which will take place from September 1 to 20. Traditionally held at the end of the season after the ISL, the Super Cup has now been pushed up the calendar, signalling a possible reordering of Indian football’s hierarchy.

This shift likely stems from the declining significance of the Super Cup in recent years, with low fan engagement and top clubs fielding youth or reserve squads. The AIFF’s decision appears aimed at revitalising the tournament by giving it a more prominent window in the calendar.

Other major highlights from the AIFF’s 2025–26 schedule include:

• I-League to run from October 19, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

• Indian Women’s League (IWL) from October 25, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

• AIFF Elite Youth Leagues (U14, U16, U18) spanning from September 2025 to May 2026.

• Santosh Trophy group stage and final round set for December 2025 and January 2026 respectively.

• Other formats like Futsal, Beach Soccer, and Swami Vivekananda U-20 Championship also retain dedicated windows.

Notably, the I-League — once the top division before the rise of the ISL — continues to feature prominently in the calendar, further fuelling speculation over a possible revaluation of its status in Indian football.

As clubs, players, and fans await clarity, the AIFF’s decision could mark a pivotal moment in Indian football’s structural future. Whether this is a temporary exclusion or a harbinger of a more fundamental shift will likely become clearer as talks between the AIFF and FSDL progress in the coming months.

AIFF Competitions Calendar 2025–26:

• Durand Cup: July 15 to August 23, 2025

• Super Cup/Federation Cup: September 1 to September 20, 2025

• I-League 3: October 1 to November 30, 2025

• I-League: October 19, 2025 to April 30, 2026

• Indian Women’s League (IWL): October 25, 2025 to April 30, 2026

• Indian Women’s League 2: January 25 to April 30, 2026

• Santosh Trophy Group Stage: December 5 to December 20, 2025

• Santosh Trophy Final Round: January 1 to January 20, 2026

• Senior Women’s National Group Stage: September 1 to September 20, 2025

• Senior Women’s Final Round: October 1 to October 15, 2025

• AIFF Elite Youth League (U14/U16/U18): September 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026

• Junior Boys Tier 1 & 2: July 10 to July 31, 2025

• Junior Girls Tier 1 & 2: July 10 to July 31, 2025

• Sub-Junior Girls Tier 1 & 2: August 10 to August 31, 2025

• Swami Vivekananda U-20 Championship: April 1 to May 31, 2026

• Beach Soccer Championship: February 1 to February 15, 2026

• Futsal Club Championship: May 1 to May 20, 2026