Overview
- The AIFF confirmed written participation from all 14 ISL teams, clearing the way for the delayed 2025–26 season to begin on February 14.
- A 91-match home-and-away slate is being prepared, with clubs submitting home venues and an online meeting slated to establish a new Governing Council and issue RFPs for broadcast and commercial partners.
- The league will operate on a ₹24.27 crore budget, including ₹9.77 crore from the AIFF and ₹1 crore from each club, with payments permitted in instalments through June 2026.
- Key hurdles remain, including stadium readiness within weeks, Odisha FC’s relegation-related stance, pay-cut discussions at clubs, and the risk that the shortened campaign may affect AFC continental berths.
- The AIFF plans to seek AFC exemptions and emphasizes resuming competition, while the senior women’s team proceeds with a 26-day Turkey camp before moving to Perth on February 10.