In a major relief for Indian football, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday (January 6) announced that the Indian Super League (ISL) will resume on February 14, ending weeks of uncertainty caused by the absence of a commercial partner.
Following a high-level meeting involving the government, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and all 14 ISL clubs-including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, Mandaviya confirmed that every club will participate in the league.
“There was a lot of speculation around the ISL. Today, after discussions with the government, the federation and all 14 clubs, we have decided that the ISL will begin on February 14,” Mandaviya said.
The I-League, which was also put on hold, will be staged “around the same time” with all 11 clubs taking part.
₹25 crore central pool created for functioning of ISL
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, who joined the minister at the announcement, outlined the financial framework for the season. A ₹25 crore central pool has been created to ensure the smooth conduct of the ISL. With no commercial partner currently in place, the AIFF will temporarily shoulder a larger share of the funding.
“In total, the AIFF will contribute ₹14 crore for the ISL and about ₹3.2 crore for the I-League until a commercial partner is finalised,” Chaubey said.
Logistical details yet to be finalised
The ISL season will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis, with logistical details still being finalised. The I-League will be held in a truncated format with 55 matches.
Chaubey also announced that a Governing Council Board will be set up to oversee the leagues and will be empowered to take all future commercial decisions.
The announcement brings much-needed stability to Indian football after weeks of turmoil and puts the domestic season firmly back on track.
Indian Super League winners
2014- Atletico de Kolkata
2015- Chennaiyin FC
2016- Atletico de Kolkata
2017-18- Chennaiyin FC
2018-19 – Bengaluru FC
2019-20 – ATK
2020-21 – Mumbai City FC
2021-22 – Hyderabad FC
2022-23 – ATK Mohun Bagan
2023-24- Mumbai City FC
2024-25- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Most ISL Titles
ATK / ATK Mohun Bagan – 4 titles
Chennaiyin FC – 2 titles
Mumbai City FC – 2 titles
Bengaluru FC – 1 title
Hyderabad FC – 1 title
Mohun Bagan Super Giant- 1 title