AIFF sheds light on ISL’s future amid uncertainty

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) proposed that the Super Cup be held from the second or third week of September to ensure the ISL clubs get sufficient number of competitive matches, on Thursday. 

There is uncertainty regarding the start of the Indian Super League after the tournament has been indefinitely postponed due to uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league organisers (FSDL) and the national federation (AIFF).

“AIFF proposes that the Super Cup football tournament start from second or third week of September to ensure the ISL clubs get enough competitive matches.

“The AIFF and all the 13 ISL clubs collectively took the decision in national interest. We will meet again in 7 to 10 days and take a final decision,” said AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey.

Representatives of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal and Odisha FC joined the meeting virtually. Representatives of all the other 10 ISL clubs attended the meeting personally in Delhi.

“We are hoping to have ISL this season though it may be a bit late. But we can do it with certain changes, may be in format or other things. But that will be decided later, no decision on those things yet.” Chaubey said on the uncertainty surrounding the ISL.

The Super Cup is mostly held after the conclusion of the ISL season but this time, it could take place after the end of the Durand Cup.

On Wednesday, two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC announced a temporary suspension of operations for their first-team players and staff, after the ongoing uncertainty over the league’s future. Earlier, Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC had done the same.