ISL Champions to Compete in AFC Champions League Qualifiers: A Boost for Indian Football
Asian Football Confederation's Decision and Its Implications
In a significant move for Indian football, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has granted a one-season exemption to India, enabling the champions of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the Super Cup to participate in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) qualifiers. This decision comes at a crucial juncture for the All India Football Federation (AIFF), allowing them to finalize the domestic calendar and proceed with the operational planning for the upcoming ISL season.
The Road to the ACL 2 Qualifiers
The ISL 2025-26 season, scheduled to run from February 14 to May 17, will now feature the champions of the previous season, FC Goa, in the ACL 2 qualifiers. The exemption from the mandatory 24-match league requirement means Indian football retains its continental representation, allowing clubs to focus on their campaigns without the risk of losing Asian slots due to reduced league matches.
ISL 2025-26 Format and Schedule
With all 14 clubs confirming participation, the upcoming ISL season will be played in a single home-and-away format, producing a total of 91 matches. The condensed calendar will result in fixtures being primarily scheduled as double-headers on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with kick-off times set at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM IST. A standalone matchday on Thursday has also been included in the schedule.
AIFF's Action Plan for the ISL 2025-26
Following the AFC exemption, the AIFF has outlined an action plan for the upcoming ISL season. Key aspects of this plan include the publication of RFPs for securing a broadcast partner by January 14 and a commercial partner by January 15. The deadline for broadcast bids is January 29, while commercial bids will close on January 30. Both partners are expected to be onboarded by February 5.
Relevance to the North East Region and India
The success of the ISL, including the participation of North East United FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, has been a source of pride for the North East region and the broader Indian context. The AFC exemption and the upcoming ISL season serve as opportunities for these clubs to showcase their talent on a continental level, potentially inspiring a new generation of footballers in the region.
Looking Forward
As the ISL 2025-26 season approaches, Indian football enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed matches and the chance to see their favorite teams compete on the continental stage. With the AFC exemption in place and the AIFF's action plan underway, the stage is set for an exciting season ahead.