New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI) - The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed staging the Super Cup in the second or third week of September to provide Indian Super League (ISL) clubs with competitive fixtures. However, uncertainties persist regarding the start date and format of the ISL this season due to unresolved issues related to the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league organizers and the national federation.
The proposal was made during a meeting between the AIFF and representatives of the ISL clubs, who have expressed concerns following the indefinite postponement of the upcoming ISL season. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey stated, "AIFF proposes that the Super Cup start from the second or third week of September to ensure ISL clubs get enough competitive matches. Then the ISL can follow. This will allow all clubs to end the 2025-26 season by May 31, 2026, preserving India's AFC competition eligibility."
"The AIFF and all the 13 ISL clubs collectively took the decision in national interest. We will meet again in 7 to 10 days and take a final decision on the date of kick-off of Super Cup," Chaubey added. Despite admitting that football fans were uncertain about the continuity of the sport, Chaubey emphasized, "Football must go on."
Some clubs require six to eight weeks for pre-season training, especially since the transfer window closes on August 31. These considerations will influence the Super Cup's schedule. However, not all ISL clubs have committed to the Super Cup. At least two clubs are seeking clarity on the ISL start date before committing.
FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur commented, "We haven't had time to digest all the information. It takes a lot of coordination and logistic work. Once we have clarity, we will discuss dates collectively for the Super Cup." Another club official indicated that the Super Cup's status remains uncertain.
NorthEast United CEO Madar Tamhane stated he had nothing more to add than the AIFF president's remarks. Representatives from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, and Odisha FC attended the meeting virtually, while others were present in person. Among the ISL club representatives at the press conference were the CEOs of NorthEast United and FC Goa.
On the ISL's potential start, Chaubey mentioned, "We are hoping to have ISL this season though it may be a bit late. We can do it with certain changes, maybe in format or other things to save costs for the clubs. But that will be decided later."
He further noted, "The clubs have been investing hugely. They collectively contributed a lot in several areas, including infrastructure development. So we must ensure that the ISL takes place." The AIFF is determined to hold both the Super Cup and ISL, working on timing and structure adjustments.
Traditionally held at the season's end, the Super Cup is likely to open the domestic season amid current conditions. It will follow the national team's participation in the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29. India's final group match is on September 4, with the final scheduled for September 8, should they advance.
The Super Cup is expected to wrap up before India plays Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup qualification rounds on October 9 and 14. Last season's Super Cup took place in Bhubaneswar from April 20 to May 3.
Typically running from September to April, the ISL faces uncertainties. The current MRA between the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the event organizer, and the AIFF is set to expire on December 8, 2025, by which the ISL would be in its third month.
On July 11, ISL organizers FSDL announced that the 2025-26 season was "on hold" due to the unresolved MRA renewal with the AIFF, prevented by a Supreme Court directive until a final judgment in the AIFF draft constitution case. Two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC recently suspended operations for their first-team players and staff amid the ongoing uncertainty, following salary suspensions by Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC for their first-team players and staff.
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