The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued a formal request to all Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, urging them to officially confirm their participation for the forthcoming football season. This move comes as the national governing body faces a tight deadline to compile and present a comprehensive report to the Government of India's sports ministry.
Strict Deadline from the Sports Ministry
In a letter dispatched to the club managements, the AIFF highlighted a critical timeline mandated by the authorities. The federation is required to submit the outcomes of all meetings held between the clubs and its Clubs Coordination Committee to the sports ministry by January 2, 2026. These crucial discussions took place in a concentrated window between December 24 and December 30, 2025.
What the AIFF Letter Entails
The communication from the AIFF serves as a formal call for clarity. It essentially asks each ISL franchise to provide a definitive answer regarding their involvement in the next edition of the country's top-tier football league. This step is procedural but vital for the federation's planning and for demonstrating organizational stability to the government.
The need for this confirmation stems from the deliberations held in the final week of December. The AIFF now needs to collate the feedback and formal commitments from these meetings into an official document for the ministry's review.
Implications for Indian Football
This development underscores the structured oversight exercised by the sports ministry over national sporting federations. A timely and positive response from the clubs is crucial for seamless planning of the next ISL season, including scheduling, broadcasting, and commercial partnerships.
Failure to receive confirmations or any delays could potentially disrupt the calendar and create uncertainty around the league's future. The AIFF's adherence to the January 2 deadline is therefore paramount for maintaining administrative order and ensuring the smooth progression of professional football in India.
As of now, the ball is in the court of the ISL clubs. Their prompt responses will enable the AIFF to fulfill its obligation to the sports ministry and keep the preparations for the new season on track.
