The delayed Indian Super League (ISL) will begin on February 14 after all 14 football clubs confirmed their participation, officials announced on Wednesday.
Typically held between September and April, the ISL faced uncertainty after the commercial rights agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited, the league’s operator, expired on December 9, leaving the competition without a sponsor.
Some clubs, including reigning champions Mohun Bagan, paused player salaries and suspended football activities in December amid the uncertainty.
The AIFF plans to take over the league’s operations from the 2025-26 season under a proposed 20-year plan sent to clubs, according to local media reports.
“Many clubs had agreed earlier, but the remaining few came on board on Tuesday,” an AIFF source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Discussions are ongoing to finalise a home-and-away format for a 91-match season, following Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s announcement last week that all 14 clubs would compete.
Launched in 2014 with international stars like Italy’s Alessandro Del Piero, the franchise-based ISL was designed to give Indian football a glamorous boost.
However, television ratings have declined, and sponsor interest has dwindled.
The AIFF invited bids for a new commercial partner under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee but was unable to secure one.
Despite a passionate fan base and a rich footballing history, Indian football continues to struggle internationally, with the men’s team currently ranked 142nd in the FIFA world rankings.
