New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that the season-opening Super Cup will commence on October 25 in Goa. All Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, with the exception of Odisha FC, will participate in the tournament, alongside four I-League sides Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala FC, and Rajasthan United.
Originally, Churchill Brothers, one of the top three I-League teams with direct entry, had qualified but opted out, with Gokulam Kerala (fourth place) taking their spot. Rajasthan United, finishing fifth, have been included in place of Odisha FC. The tournament draw is scheduled to be conducted virtually this Thursday.
Traditionally a season-ending competition, the Super Cup will this year open the domestic football calendar. The winning team will earn a place in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs for the 2026-27 season, provided they hold a Premier 1 License under the Indian Club Licensing Regulations for that season. FC Goa, as champions of the 2024-25 Super Cup, secured entry into the ACL 2 play-offs and subsequently the group stage this season.
The AIFF has clarified that Indian clubs failing to advance from the ACL 2 play-offs will automatically enter the group stage of the AFC Challenge League (ACGL), ensuring continued continental participation.
Indian domestic football has faced uncertainty recently following the temporary suspension of the ISL, due to unresolved issues around the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and league organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). However, clarity is expected soon after the Supreme Court approved the AIFF’s new constitution.
