Reviving Indian Football: AIFF Announces Restart of Crisis-Hit ISL

The much-anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) is set to resume after a delay of several months, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announcing the dates next week. The decision comes following a meeting of the AIFF's Emergency Committee on January 3, 2026.

The Formation of the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee

The AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee was constituted on December 20, 2025, following discussions during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting and the subsequent AIFF Annual General Meeting. The committee was tasked with submitting a report to the AIFF Secretariat by January 2, 2026.

The Report and Recommendations

The report, duly submitted by the Coordination Committee, was acknowledged by the AIFF Emergency Committee, which recommended that the league be conducted by the AIFF.

The Impact on Indian Football and the North East Region

The delay in the commencement of the ISL has had a significant impact on Indian football, with several players expressing their concerns. This situation is particularly relevant to the North East region, which boasts a rich footballing tradition and has produced numerous talented players.

The Players' Appeal

In a joint video statement, Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and other players appealed to FIFA to step in and safeguard the future of the sport in India. They stressed that the current state of Indian football governance is no longer capable of fulfilling its responsibilities.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Indian Football

The announcement of the restart of the ISL next week marks a significant step towards reviving Indian football. The North East region, with its deep-rooted passion for the sport, stands to benefit immensely from a successful and sustained revival of Indian football.