Indian Super League to return next month after delayed season

THE delayed Indian Super League will kick off on February 14 after all 14 football clubs confirmed participation, officials said on Wednesday (14).

The ISL, India's flagship football competition, is usually played between September and April.

It faced uncertainty because a commercial rights agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited, which operated the ISL, expired on December 9, leaving the league without a sponsor.

Some clubs, including reigning champions Mohun Bagan, halted player salaries and suspended football activities in December.

The AIFF plans to take over the running of the ISL from the 2025-26 season under a 20-year proposal sent to clubs, according to local media reports.

"Many clubs had agreed earlier, but the remaining few came on board on Tuesday," an AIFF source said on condition of anonymity.

Talks are continuing to finalise a home-and-away format for a 91-match season after sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced last week that all 14 clubs would compete.

Launched in 2014 with global stars such as Italy's Alessandro Del Piero, the franchise-based ISL aimed to give Indian football a glamorous reboot.

But television ratings have slumped and sponsor interest has waned.

The AIFF invited bids for a new commercial partner under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee, but failed to find any takers.

Indian football has long struggled to find its footing on the global stage despite a passionate fan base and a rich history.

India's men's team is a dismal 142nd in the FIFA world rankings.

(AFP)