Only Punjab FC Clears AIFF Licensing Without Sanctions, Several ISL Clubs Denied Approval

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday night announced the Premier 1 club licensing results for the 2025-26 season. In a stark outcome, only Punjab FC secured a clean license without any sanctions, setting a benchmark as the sole club to fully meet the AIFF’s stringent licensing criteria.

The Premier 1 license is essential for participation in the Indian Super League (ISL) and AFC Club Competitions, provided teams qualify on merit. The licensing process evaluates clubs across various parameters, including infrastructure, financial stability, legal compliance, and sporting standards.

Indian Super League 2024-25 champion and League Shield winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant received a license, but with sanctions—an indication of non-compliance in certain areas. It wasn’t alone in this category. Other prominent ISL outfits such as East Bengal, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Mumbai City FC also received licenses, but all were accompanied by sanctions.

On the other end of the spectrum, five ISL clubs failed to secure the necessary license altogether. These include Mohammedan Sporting, Odisha FC, NorthEast United FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Hyderabad FC. Their failure to obtain the license poses a significant risk to their participation in next season’s ISL.

Adding to the drama, recently promoted I-League champion Churchill Brothers FC Goa, along with runner-up Inter Kashi, were also denied licenses. Their ineligibility casts immediate uncertainty over their top-flight future, despite their on-field success this season.

“These clubs have not been granted the license due to multiple failures across A and B criteria,” the AIFF said in an official statement, without detailing the specific areas of non-compliance.

The AIFF further clarified the next steps available to these clubs. “The clubs whose applications have been rejected have the right to either appeal the decision, or request an exemption to participate in the National Club Competitions, as per applicable licensing regulations,” the statement added.

Failure to appeal or secure exemptions could result in disqualification from the ISL, making the licensing process a critical determinant for club participation next season. As the football community waits for potential appeals or corrective actions, the spotlight is firmly on club managements to address compliance issues swiftly.