AIFF Sets Jan. 1 Deadline for ISL Clubs to Confirm Season Plan

Overview

• ISL clubs asked the federation to seek a one-time AFC waiver of the 24-match minimum so India can retain its two AFC Champions League 2 berths.
• The AIFF proposed two truncated formats: a 14-team East/West conference split with centralized venues and a single-leg championship round, or a single round-robin without playoffs where table position decides the title.
• The federation aims to kick off the shortened season in the first week of February, subject to club confirmations on participation and format.
• The AIFF must submit outcomes to the Sports Ministry by January 2, with the Supreme Court returning on January 5 and stakeholders possibly required to file documents.
• Officials indicate the league could proceed in truncated form even if the AFC declines a waiver, risking forfeiture of ACL 2 slots and potentially affecting clubs such as Super Cup winners FC Goa.