Super Cup start to season, league to follow: AIFF

By Admin

08 Aug, 2025

Introduction
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially announced that the Super Cup will precede the Indian Super League (ISL) this year, aiming for a September start. The decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ISL’s schedule and negotiations on the master rights agreement. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey emphasized that the move ensures players and staff receive payments on time while keeping the football season on track.

Super Cup Before ISL: A Strategic Move
Speaking after a meeting with CEOs of all 13 ISL clubs in New Delhi, Chaubey confirmed that the Super Cup would take place after India’s campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, which concludes with the final on September 8. AIFF is targeting the second or third week of September for the Super Cup’s kickoff, giving teams adequate pre-season preparation time of six to eight weeks.

ISL Delay but No Cancellation
While the ISL remains the country’s top football league, its start this year may be delayed by 6-8 weeks compared to previous seasons due to stalled negotiations and legal uncertainties. However, Chaubey assured fans that the ISL will happen, citing past start dates of September 14 (last year) and September 21 (the year before). The number of matches for the upcoming ISL season is still under discussion.

Legal and Commercial Challenges
The delay stems from the Supreme Court’s recent observations, which have paused negotiations on the master rights agreement. AIFF’s commercial partners are hesitant to proceed with the ISL until a new deal is finalized. Clubs are considering filing an intervention appeal with the Supreme Court to resolve the uncertainty. AIFF has expressed its support for this move, seeing it as a potential solution.

A Rare Gathering of Stakeholders
This was the first meeting since 2019 where AIFF, its commercial partners, and ISL clubs shared the same room. Except for Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and East Bengal who attended virtually all clubs were represented in person. FC Goa and NorthEast United participated in the press conference but refrained from revealing major details, with FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur stressing the need for time to process developments.

Addressing Player Payments
Although the issue of some clubs withholding player and staff salaries was not formally discussed, Chaubey noted that once tournaments commence and players get game time, clubs would naturally fulfill payment obligations.

Conclusion
While the upcoming ISL season faces delays, the introduction of the Super Cup before the league offers a much-needed boost to Indian football fans. With legal challenges still in play, the AIFF’s proactive approach ensures the sport stays alive on the pitch, even as matters off it continue to unfold. The next meeting in 7-10 days will be crucial in determining the exact schedule and clearing the path for a full football season.