How a legal crisis and empty tenders nearly silenced Indian football
In short: The 2025–26 Indian Super League season was defined by more than just football. From Supreme Court interventions to a total lack of commercial bidders, the 12th season of the ISL faced an unprecedented struggle for survival before finally kicking off.
The 2/25–26 season, the 30th edition of top-tier Indian football, was nearly derailed by administrative and financial instability. In June 2025, the Football Solutions Development Limited (FSDL) placed the season on hold due to unresolved contractual disputes involving the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This deadlock required the intervention of the Supreme Court of India, which urged both parties to reach a resolution. Even after a promised December start, further delays emerged when no bids were received for the AIFF's commercial partner tender, which had been floated on 16 October 2025.
Structural changes also marked this era. For the first time, the league abandoned the post-season ISL Cup playoffs in favor of a single-leg round-robin format. The 14 participating clubs competed in a 91-match schedule, with each team playing 13 matches. Despite significant opposition from all 14 clubs—who argued the shortened season made it too risky—the AIFF implemented relegation starting this season. The league also saw a major identity shift when Hyderabad FC announced its relocation to Delhi and rebranding as SC Delhi on 7 October 2025.
Financially, the season operated on a significantly reduced budget of ₹24.26 crore. The AIFF provided ₹9.77 crore upfront, while each club contributed ₹1 crore. Even amidst volatility, the intense rivalry persisted; East Bengal clinched their inaugural ISL trophy and fourth Indian championship, breaking a 22-year spell. Concurrently, the AFC provided a single-year waiver regarding the compulsory 24-game format, ensuring Super Cup victors and ISL titleholders can enter 2026–27 AFC Champions League Two qualifying.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2025–26 Indian Super League
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