ISL Returns Feb 14 with All 14 Clubs; AIFF Funds Leagues Amidst Speculation

• Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the Indian Super League (ISL) will resume on February 14, featuring all 14 clubs.
• The ISL will follow a single-leg round-robin format with 91 matches; I-League also restarts with 11 clubs and 55 matches.
• AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey confirmed a Rs 25 crore central pool for ISL, with AIFF contributing Rs 14 crore for ISL and Rs 3.2 crore for I-League.
• AIFF is stepping in to cover the 30% funding gap for ISL due to the absence of a commercial partner.
• A Governing Council Board will be formed to manage the leagues and handle all commercial decisions moving forward.

Why It Matters: Indian Super League and I-League are set to resume on February 14, with AIFF providing crucial funding.