AIFF Club Licensing Decisions for 2026-27 Season Announced

AIFF Club Licensing Committee Meeting Outcomes

New Delhi [India], May 20: The Club Licensing Committee – First Instance Body (CLC-FIB) of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) convened on May 17 to finalize decisions regarding the ICLS Premier 1 Club Licensing for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The committee has granted licenses with certain sanctions to several clubs, including NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Punjab FC, as reported by the AIFF.

Conversely, the following clubs had their license applications denied: Sporting Club Delhi, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Inter Kashi.

Clubs that received a rejection have the option to appeal the decision or seek an exemption to compete in the national club competition, in accordance with the licensing regulations, as stated in a press release from the AIFF.

The Indian Club Licensing System plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, professionalism, and infrastructure of football clubs across India.

This annual process allows clubs to obtain the necessary licenses to participate in AFC and National club competitions each season. The licenses are divided into 'Premier 1' for Indian Super League clubs and 'Premier 2' for Indian Football League clubs.