Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The All India Football Federation has granted the Premier 1 club licence with sanctions to seven Indian Super League clubs for the 2026-27 season, while rejecting applications from several major teams including Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Club Licensing Committee First Instance Body held on May 17. The Premier 1 licence is mandatory for participation in national and continental club competitions involving Indian Super League sides.
The clubs that successfully secured licences with sanctions are NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and Punjab FC.
Meanwhile, licence applications from Sporting Club Delhi, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Inter Kashi were turned down.
The AIFF stated that clubs whose applications were rejected still have the option to appeal the decision or seek an exemption to participate in national competitions, subject to licensing regulations.
The AIFF’s club licensing process is conducted annually to ensure clubs meet the required sporting, legal, financial, infrastructure and administrative standards for participation in domestic and Asian competitions. The licensing structure is divided into Premier 1 for Indian Super League clubs and Premier 2 for clubs competing in the Indian Football League system.
