Indian Super League 2026-27 to feature 13 clubs
Indian Super League Confirms 13-Club Format
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season is set to proceed with 13 participating clubs, playing in a double round-robin format on a home-and-away basis. This confirmation was made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on August 19, 2026, on behalf of both the AIFF and the participating clubs. The kick-off date for the season will be announced at a later time, with further details regarding fixtures to follow.
A club representative expressed satisfaction with the confirmed number of teams, stating that it allows for progress in essential commercial discussions and fixture planning for the league. This decision follows a period of uncertainty regarding the final number of teams for the upcoming season.
Team Confirmations and Withdrawals
The league’s decision to proceed with 13 teams was influenced by Diamond Harbour FC‘s failure to clear their second instalment of the participation fee. The AIFF had initially set an August 14 deadline for all clubs to pay ₹1.1 crore in two instalments of ₹55 lakh each. While most clubs cleared their payments, Diamond Harbour FC, whose first instalment was adjusted against their Indian Football League (IFL) winners’ prize money, sought an extension for their payment timeline.
The ISL governing council met virtually on August 18 and decided against adding more teams if Diamond Harbour FC defaulted on the payment. A source from the meeting indicated that the club was given a deadline of 2 pm on August 19. It was also decided that no team would replace Diamond Harbour FC, despite initial discussions about floating a tender for a new team.
Mohammedan Sporting Club, who were relegated after finishing at the bottom of the ISL table, had reportedly made a case for retention in the top tier. Additionally, IFL runners-up Shillong Lajong FC were also keen on promotion should Diamond Harbour FC withdraw due to financial difficulties. Diamond Harbour FC had earned promotion to the top-tier ISL after winning the IFL last season.
In other team developments, Churchill Brothers secured their spot by paying the full ₹1.1 crore fee after Jamshedpur FC withdrew from the league. Jamshedpur FC had disbanded its first team on July 31, hours after the deadline for the first instalment payment of ₹55 lakh.
League Start Date and Financial Allegations
The Indian Super League 2024-25 season, which was initially scheduled to begin on September 4, is now expected to be postponed until after October 6. This delay aligns with the FIFA international match window, which runs from September 21 to October 6. A top official from the AIFF confirmed that the ISL is likely to commence only in October, following the FIFA window.
Meanwhile, the AIFF has addressed what it termed “unverified claims” regarding its financial management. The federation strongly refuted allegations concerning its decision not to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, stating that there was no predetermined financial penalty or fine associated with this decision. The AIFF also expressed concern about the public circulation of unverified figures and claims regarding its finances without supporting documentation.
The AIFF clarified that its decision to host a high-profile friendly match against five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata was made through appropriate institutional processes. This match is seen as an exceptional opportunity for Indian football, the national team, and fan engagement, providing a morale boost for the Indian national team. The AIFF emphasised that this match is a mutually agreed international sporting opportunity between two football federations and should not be portrayed as a one-sided arrangement. The AIFF stated that statements concerning its finances must be based on facts and verifiable information.
Source: the-aiff.com
