Churchill Brothers to Rejoin ISL for 2026-27 Season

Churchill Brothers Football Club is making a comeback to the Indian Super League for the 2026-27 season after securing a deal with Tata Steel. This agreement includes the transfer of Jamshedpur FC's sporting license and player contracts, ensuring continuity for the involved personnel. Tata Steel will shift its focus to grassroots football, while Churchill Brothers celebrates this new chapter in Goan football, emphasizing the revival of local rivalries. The transaction is expected to be completed by August 31, pending necessary approvals.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 15, 2026, 00:49 IST

Churchill Brothers Set to Re-enter ISL

Tata Steel has finalized an agreement to transfer its equity shares in Jamshedpur Football & Sporting Private Limited (JFSPL) to Churchill Brothers Football Club. This significant move allows the historic Goan club to participate in the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2026-27 season. The announcement was made through a press release from Tata Steel on Friday.

As part of this agreement, the ISL sporting license of Jamshedpur FC, along with the contracts of 12 players and two coaches, will be transferred. This transition adheres to the regulations set by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Churchill Brothers will assume the contracts of the existing players and coaching staff from September 2026, ensuring a seamless continuation for the Jamshedpur FC personnel in their professional careers within the ISL.

Tata Steel's Commitment to Grassroots Football

"Churchill Brothers has a rich legacy in Indian football, and we are pleased that this agreement allows our players and coaches to keep playing club football. We extend our gratitude to AIFF and Churchill Brothers for their collaboration in facilitating this transition smoothly. Tata Steel will maintain its focus on grassroots and youth football, given our history of nurturing young talent, particularly within local and tribal communities," stated DB Sundara Ramam, Vice President of Corporate Services at Tata Steel.

"This includes the Tata Football Academy, which has trained 150 cadets who have represented India and produced 26 national team captains across various age groups. We will continue to enhance our sporting infrastructure, repurposing it for grassroots football and athlete development. Our youth system will be modernized, with investments aimed at building its capabilities in partnership with the AIFF," he added.

A New Era for Goan Football

This development signifies the return of Churchill Brothers to India's premier football league after a 14-year hiatus. The Goan club boasts a nearly four-decade history and has clinched two I-League titles.

Churchill Brothers expressed enthusiasm about this development, labeling it a new chapter for Goan football, and thanked the AIFF and its Executive Committee for facilitating the transition.

"Goa deserves supporters who believe. That is the essence of legacy. Being Goa's own means being part of a family that has been competing and nurturing football in India long before the ISL was established," the club shared in an Instagram post.

The club also expressed gratitude to the AIFF and its Executive Committee for recognizing this opportunity and enabling this new phase in Indian football.

Additionally, Churchill Brothers called for the revival of the traditional football rivalry in Goa, stating, "For years, Goa has missed the fire. The rivalry. The derby! Now, the old rivalry embarks on a new chapter. Get ready, Goa. Your family is back!"

The transaction is anticipated to be finalized by August 31, pending standard clearances from the AIFF.