New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to stage the Super Cup in September — ahead of the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) — in a bid to keep clubs active amid lingering uncertainty over the ISL calendar.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey announced the move at a press conference in New Delhi, revealing that the tournament, traditionally held at the season’s end, will now open the domestic calendar. The federation is aiming for the second or third week of September for kickoff.
“We’re planning to hold the Super Cup before the ISL due to concerns from clubs. Some teams need six to eight weeks to prepare and get players back. Final dates will be announced soon,” Chaubey said.
The shift comes as talks with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) remain deadlocked over the Master Rights Agreement, which expires in December. The impasse has already prompted drastic action from several clubs:
• Bengaluru FC has reportedly suspended salaries of senior players, including Sunil Chhetri.
• Chennaiyin FC has halted all first-team operations.
• Odisha FC suspended all staff and player contracts on August 5.
The AIFF has distanced itself from these measures, stressing they are internal club decisions.
“It’s up to each club how they handle salaries or operations. That’s how most professional leagues work,” Chaubey said.
By placing the Super Cup at the season’s start, the AIFF aims to ensure the domestic calendar still concludes by May 31, 2026 — a key date to safeguard India’s eligibility for AFC competitions.
Chaubey reiterated the AIFF’s commitment to holding the ISL, assuring all 13 franchises that “football will go on” once the dispute is resolved.
A follow-up meeting with stakeholders is expected in 7–10 days to finalise dates and venues.
Despite the ISL uncertainty, other national football activities remain on schedule:
• AIFF Futsal Club Championship began on August 3 in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand.
• U17 Women’s and U23 Men’s national camps are underway in Bengaluru.
• U20 Women’s team is competing in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Myanmar.
“Football in India will continue uninterrupted,” Chaubey asserted.
With the Super Cup now set to act as the curtain-raiser for the 2025–26 season, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future shape of Indian club football.
