ISL back on track as government steps in

Indian football has received a major boost after Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed that the Indian Super League (ISL) will resume from February 14, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding the country’s top-tier competition. The league had been put on hold due to the absence of a commercial partner, raising concerns over the future of the domestic football season.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mandaviya said a high-level meeting involving the government, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and representatives of all 14 ISL clubs led to a consensus on restarting the league. Traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal were also part of the discussions. As per the decision, all 14 clubs will take part in the upcoming ISL season.

The Sports Minister also announced that the I-League, which had similarly been suspended, will be conducted around the same period with the participation of all 11 teams. While the ISL will follow a full home-and-away format featuring 91 matches, the I-League will be organised in a shortened format with 55 games.

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Following Mandaviya’s announcement, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey outlined the financial framework that will support the leagues in the absence of a commercial partner. He revealed that a central fund of  Rs 25 crore has been created exclusively for the organisation of the ISL. Under the original plan, 10 percent of this amount was to be contributed by the AIFF and 30 percent by a commercial partner. However, with no sponsor currently on board, the AIFF has agreed to cover the shortfall.

As a result, the federation will provide approximately Rs 14 crore towards the ISL and an additional Rs 3.2 crore to ensure the smooth conduct of the I-League until a commercial agreement is secured.

Chaubey further stated that a Governing Council Board will be constituted in the future to oversee the management of the leagues. This body will be authorised to handle all commercial and operational decisions, aiming to bring greater stability to Indian football going forward.