AIFF Urges ISL Clubs: Confirm Participation by Jan 1 Amidst ACL 2 & SC Deadlines

• AIFF has requested ISL clubs to confirm their participation and the proposed format for the 2025-26 season by January 1, 2026.
• The urgency stems from the need to inform AFC about match numbers for ACL 2 eligibility and upcoming deadlines with the Sports Ministry and Supreme Court.
• ISL clubs are unlikely to meet the mandatory 24 matches for AFC Champions League 2, prompting a request for a one-time relaxation from AFC.
• AIFF proposed two formats for the delayed season: a conference-based structure or a single-leg format without conferences.
• The 2025-26 ISL season was delayed due to issues with the Master Rights Agreement between FSDL and AIFF, leading to Supreme Court intervention.

Why It Matters: AIFF pushes ISL clubs for quick decision on 2025-26 season amidst ACL 2 eligibility and legal pressures.