Will Odisha FC Join the 2025-26 ISL Season? Key Updates Inside!
Odisha FC's Participation in the Upcoming ISL Season
In New Delhi, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is eagerly awaiting confirmation from Odisha FC regarding their involvement in the postponed 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, which is scheduled to kick off on February 14.
On Tuesday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the ISL, which had been delayed due to the absence of a commercial partner, will commence on February 14 with all 14 clubs participating. However, Odisha FC has requested until Thursday to finalize their decision.
A source familiar with the situation revealed, "Thirteen clubs have confirmed their participation, while Odisha FC has asked for an extension until tomorrow. The AIFF is optimistic that they will confirm on Thursday."
Once Odisha FC's participation is confirmed, the AIFF will begin organizing other aspects, including the league schedule in collaboration with the clubs.
Notably, Odisha FC did not compete in the Durand Cup and Super Cup earlier this year, which were intended to provide competitive opportunities amid ISL uncertainties. Additionally, they suspended player and staff contracts in August of the previous year.
If Odisha FC participates, the top-tier ISL will consist of 91 matches played on a home-and-away basis, with each team competing in 13 matches. Should they withdraw, the league will feature 78 matches, with each team playing 12 games.
Regardless, fitting 91 (or 78) matches into a limited timeframe will be challenging. The previous season's ISL final took place on April 12, and there is a FIFA window from March 23-31 for India's 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match, despite India being out of contention. Additionally, the rising temperatures post-April pose another challenge.
The distribution of home and away matches will be determined by the clubs, considering various factors, according to the source.
The AIFF is not financially responsible for hosting the matches, except for costs related to referees and match commissioners.
Furthermore, the AIFF has agreed to allow clubs to pay the participation fee of Rs 1 crore in installments until June 2026, rather than requiring immediate payment if they are unable to do so.
A new tender for both short-term (2025-26 season) and long-term (20 years starting 2026-27) commercial rights is expected to be issued by the AIFF, likely by January 15. The goal is to secure a commercial partner for the 2025-26 ISL season by January 31.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey elaborated on the financial framework for the upcoming ISL, stating, "A Rs 25 crore central pool has been established solely for the ISL's operation. Ten percent of this fund will be contributed by the AIFF, while 30 percent was expected from a commercial partner. Since we currently lack one, the AIFF will cover that portion as well."
"In total, the AIFF will allocate Rs 14 crore for the ISL and approximately Rs 3.2 crore for the I-League until a commercial partner is found. The remaining funds will come from the legacy clubs involved. We hope to secure a commercial partner soon," he added.
"If we encounter any difficulties, the government will also provide assistance," he noted.
Chaubey mentioned that a Governing Council Board will be established to oversee the leagues and will be authorized to make all commercial decisions.
The ISL 2025-26 has faced uncertainty since the AIFF's commercial partner, FSDL, owned by the Reliance Group, suspended operations in July due to issues surrounding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the two entities.
The MRA expired on December 8, 2025, after negotiations failed.
Subsequently, a tender was issued for selecting a commercial rights partner under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee, but unfortunately, there were no bidders.