The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will directly conduct the 2026 Indian Super League (ISL), with the official start date expected to be announced next week. The announcement comes after the AIFF Emergency Committee reviewed and acknowledged the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee.
In a statement shared on its official social media accounts, the AIFF said:
“Dates for ISL to be announced next week. The Coordination Committee, constituted on December 20, 2025, submitted its report to the AIFF Secretariat by January 2, 2026. The Emergency Committee has recommended that the league be conducted by the All India Football Federation. Accordingly, the AIFF will conduct the league, and the date of commencement will be announced next week.”
According to Times of India (TOI), the AIFF and 14 ISL clubs had been in discussions since August 2025, with limited progress until recently. Over the past 10 days, a three-member Coordination Committee held five meetings with clubs, resulting in several key agreements:
The federation will contribute Rs 5 crore, about 12.5% of the total cost, for staging a single-leg tournament at a centralised venue.
Clubs will manage broadcast production and have until June to pay this season’s Rs 1 crore franchise fee.
Clubs can refine the Request for Proposal (RFP) to attract commercial partners and broadcasters.
January 15 has been set as the deadline for clubs to submit 20-year agreements, according to Times of India. The panel has suggested February 15 as the tentative start date for the league, Times of India reports.
A senior official told TOI, “The AIFF is making it easier for the clubs to accept the latest proposal. Most of the demands have been accepted, and we’ve agreed on a deferred entry fee due to the revenue shortfall in sponsorship and broadcasting.”
The AIFF Emergency Committee has endorsed the report’s recommendation, giving the federation full authority to finalise the competition format and ensure the smooth conduct of the league. Fans can now anticipate the official ISL 2026 schedule and kickoff date, heralding another exciting season in Indian football.
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