New Delhi: “Why don’t you write something positive?” an Indian football official angrily told reporters. This is the plea of a frustrated representative who has done a lot at the grassroots but is trying to please multiple stakeholders in the administrative chaos of Indian football.Picture this. Only two days until school starts indian premier leagueThe country’s top football league is set to kick off on February 14 and members of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee are voting on whether to retain the 14-team league or expand it to 15 teams by including Churchill Brothers.
The Churchill brothers’ request was unanimously rejected, with Inter Kashgar remaining in the top flight after an unresolved legal quagmire. Therefore, the league will still consist of 14 teams, using a single round-robin format, and there will be 91 games in the 2025-26 season.Yes, the 2025-26 season finally starts in February 2026, five months later than originally planned. The February 14 start date was confirmed only after the intervention of the Sports Ministry, which hopes the delay will not affect the country’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics.This all happened as Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the Reliance-backed company that started and ran the ISL since 2014, had its master rights agreement (MRA) with the AIFF terminated in December 2025.The AIFF, stalled by court visits and constitutional renewal, has neither considered its options before this deadline nor taken action to renew the association.In the interim, there is uncertainty as to whether or when the season will begin. While managers sit idle, foreign players leave to continue their careers. The club was forced to let them go in order to recoup some costs and respect the players’ wishes.When the start date for the season was finally set, organizers worked hard to get stadiums in game-ready condition. Odisha FC will start training for the new season on February 17. As the home venue has not yet been determined, the first match against Punjab FC on February 16 has also been postponed. The Kerala Blasters briefly considered closing their doors, but it was unclear in which city they could play.After extensive back-and-forth discussions, the AIFF prepared a provisional schedule and officially announced it a week before the start of the league. With the addition of FanCode as a digital broadcaster, linear TV announcements for Sony Sports Networks will only be made on the start day of the season.
More than just doom and gloom
Now let’s look at the positives amid the gloom. All stakeholders, including clubs, players, fans, sponsors and even the AIFF, should be commended for ensuring the smooth conduct of the season. They show maturity for the greater good.It’s no exaggeration to say that most players agreed to take a pay cut to keep the team afloat. The same applies to club owners and CEOs who agree to invest in a shortened season, aware that revenues will not be comparable to those of previous years but are rewarded for the greater good.Even the AIFF, which has been heavily criticized and serves as a case study in maladministration, can argue that it is hamstrung by legal entanglements and warring factions. The fact that, through multiple mediators, it ultimately succeeded in getting everyone moving in the same direction is commendable.
Is there more drama?
As expected, the drama and court visits may not be over yet. AIFF released the league rules on the eve of the start of the season, making it clear that relegation will be carried out in accordance with the latest regulations.Just two weeks ago, clubs wrote to the Ministry of Sport seeking force majeure for the season, effectively asking for a suspension of relegation.Subsequently, if the problem is not resolved temporarily, the failing club may take legal action.
polling
Should Indian football expand to a 15-team league?
quick review
club: FC Goa, Mohun Bagan Supergiants, Odisha FC, East Bengal, Jamshedpur FC, Delhi SC, Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Inter Kashi, Mohammad SC, NorthEast United, Chennaiyin FCFirst game: February 14, 5 pm, Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Kerala BlastersGame 2: FC Goa vs Kashgar Inter Milan February 14, 7:30 pmWinner Prize: 125 CroresRunner-up Prize: Rs 75 Lakhs2025-26 Season Prize Pool: 2 Croreslive streaming: fan codeLive TV: sony sports network
