Indian Super League Set to Transform Football Experience Starting October 10

A New Chapter for Indian Football

The anticipation for the upcoming football season is palpable, with the Indian Super League (ISL) officially commencing on October 10. John Abraham, the owner of Northeast United FC, has expressed his views on what he considers a pivotal moment for Indian football, suggesting that this season could significantly alter how the sport is perceived in the country.

A New Era for Indian Football

During the unveiling of NEUFC's new jersey in collaboration with Reebok in Mumbai, Abraham emphasized that the ISL is entering a transformative phase, largely influenced by the clubs themselves. He believes this season will mark a significant turning point, as franchise owners are now more involved in directing the league's future. "Football is set to become as popular as cricket in India this year, thanks to the active participation of club owners. Expect a major shift in the football landscape this season, and as an owner, I am eager to witness this change," he stated.

Facing Challenges and Pursuing Glory

Abraham also discussed the hurdles faced as a club owner in the ISL, stating, "Competing against multi-billion-dollar corporations as a single owner is challenging, but we are proud of our achievements. We've successfully integrated Northeast into the mainstream football scene with the support of partners like Reebok and various public and private entities, showcasing the growing confidence in the league and the sport." He reflected on his journey with NEUFC, expressing optimism about their future ambitions. After winning consecutive Durand Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, he is hopeful that this season will finally bring home the ISL title. "I often get emotional about my club because of the hard work we've put in to reach this point. We are proud of our identity and are ready to compete for the title in the upcoming ISL season," he added.

Beyond the Football Field

Abraham proudly highlighted the broader impact of his club, stating, "Northeast United FC is more than just a football team; it represents a movement. Despite the civil tensions in the Northeast, our club has served as a unifying force in the region."

A Message to the Fans

In closing, Abraham conveyed a heartfelt message to NEUFC supporters: "We aim to make you proud of this association. Under the capable leadership of my CEO, Mandar, alongside my exceptional coach, Juan, and our talented players, we aspire to win more trophies for you. We've achieved this twice, and we are determined to do it again."

The new season of the Indian Super League is set to kick off on October 10 and will run until May 2027. This season will see a return to the traditional home-and-away format after a previous season that was played in a single-leg round-robin format, with each of the 14 clubs participating in 13 matches.