Indian football faced a major administrative twist after the AIFF released the club licensing results for the 2026-27 season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC failed to secure the mandatory license, while East Bengal FC received approval with sanctions.
What the Licensing Means
The AIFF Club Licensing process evaluates clubs on several factors, including financial management, legal structure, administration, infrastructure, youth development and sporting standards. Clubs that fail to meet mandatory criteria can face restrictions related to league participation and continental tournaments.
Mohun Bagan Surprise
Mohun Bagan’s rejection has come as a shock considering the club’s strong performances in recent ISL seasons. The Kolkata giant has regularly competed for titles and established itself as one of India’s strongest football sides on the field. However, administrative shortcomings appear to have affected its application this time.
Kerala Blasters Under Pressure
Kerala Blasters also failed to clear the licensing process, adding pressure on the management ahead of the new campaign. The club, known for having one of the largest fanbases in Indian football, will now need to address the compliance issues quickly.
East Bengal Avoids Rejection
East Bengal managed to secure the license but with sanctions attached. This means the club still has to fulfil certain requirements within a specific period to remain fully compliant under AIFF regulations.
The latest licensing decisions highlight AIFF’s push to strengthen professional standards in Indian football and align domestic clubs with AFC regulations. The verdict has already sparked debate among supporters, especially with some of the country’s biggest clubs struggling to meet administrative benchmarks despite their on-field success.
Discussion about this post