Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have completed the first instalment of the mandatory participation fee for the 2026-27 season before the deadline, leaving Jamshedpur FC and Inter Kashi as the only clubs yet to make the payment.
The first instalment of ₹55 lakh, along with written confirmation of participation, was due on July 20 under the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) newly introduced participation framework. While the deadline has now passed, Jamshedpur FC and Inter Kashi have requested additional time, citing operational issues that prevented them from completing the payment. The AIFF has not yet responded to their latest requests.
The participation fee, introduced as part of the league’s new club-led structure, requires each participating club to pay a total of ₹1.10 crore annually in two equal instalments. The second and final payment of ₹55 lakh is scheduled to be made before August 14.
Among the clubs that completed the first requirement, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC had their initial instalments adjusted against prize money owed to them from the previous season. East Bengal had earlier sought an extension alongside Jamshedpur FC, but the AIFF declined the request before processing the payment adjustment.
Diamond Harbour FC’s participation had attracted attention following reports surrounding an investigation into the club’s finances. However, the club informed the AIFF that its participation fee should be offset against prize money earned after winning the Indian Football League last season. The federation has since processed the adjustment, clearing the way for the club’s maiden ISL campaign after replacing relegated Mohammedan Sporting.
Earlier, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan had stated that the federation had received no communication from Diamond Harbour FC indicating any inability to participate in the competition.
With 12 of the 14 clubs now having fulfilled the first financial requirement, the AIFF is yet to announce whether any action will be taken against clubs that missed the deadline. The federation had previously stated that requests for extensions or deferred compliance would not be entertained beyond the prescribed timelines.
The 2026-27 season will usher in a new club-led era for the ISL, with participating clubs assuming responsibility for the league’s commercial and operational functions, while the AIFF continues to oversee sporting matters, including governance, regulations and club licensing.
The new framework also permits clubs to register six foreign players, with a maximum of four allowed in the starting XI. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players will continue to be classified as foreign players, while a proposal to make it mandatory for clubs to field an Indian No. 9 was not approved.
