AFC Grants Recognition to Shortened Indian Super League Season
The All India Football Federation made an important announcement on Thursday. The Asian Football Confederation has officially recognized the shortened 2025-26 Indian Super League season. This recognition comes with a significant condition that affects Indian clubs' international participation.
Indirect Entry into Continental Competition
Indian clubs will now face a challenging path to continental football. They will only be eligible for indirect entry into the AFC Champions League 2. This means clubs must first compete in zonal qualifiers before reaching the main tournament. The AFC confirmed this arrangement in a formal letter dated January 15.
Shin Man Gil, the AFC's deputy general secretary for competitions and football, explained the decision clearly. He stated that member associations failing to meet eligibility criteria would receive only indirect slots. The AFC would convert all direct slots into indirect slots in such cases.
Reduced Match Count Creates Qualification Hurdle
The delayed start to the season created this situation. Indian clubs cannot complete the mandatory 24 matches required for direct entry into AFC club competitions. This requirement includes matches across both the top-tier league and domestic cup competitions.
Most clubs will play approximately 16 matches during the upcoming season. This includes at least three games in the AIFF Super Cup and 13 matches in the ISL. The season will feature 14 participating clubs playing a total of 91 matches. Each team will face every other team once in single-leg matches.
AIFF's Appeal for Special Consideration
Earlier, ISL clubs had requested the AIFF to approach the AFC for special consideration. They sought a one-time relaxation of the 24-match requirement. This would have allowed direct entry into the AFC Champions League 2 despite the shortened season.
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan formally wrote to the AFC requesting this exemption. He highlighted the exceptional circumstances affecting Indian football this season. Satyanarayan asked the AFC to consider 16 matches as sufficient for direct qualification.
He emphasized that such an exemption would significantly support the AIFF's efforts to restart the league. It would also encourage clubs during this challenging period for all Indian football stakeholders.
Season Details and Background
The 2025-26 ISL season will begin on February 14. All 14 clubs have confirmed their participation. The AIFF recently asked clubs to submit details of their proposed home venues. This information will help prepare fixtures and finalize broadcast and commercial partnerships.
The season faced uncertainty since July due to commercial negotiations. Football Sports Development Limited, the AIFF's commercial partner owned by the Reliance Group, had put the league on hold. This happened amid uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement, which expired on December 8, 2025, after failed negotiations between both parties.
The AFC's decision now sets clear parameters for the upcoming season. Indian clubs must navigate the indirect qualification path while competing in a condensed domestic schedule.
