ISL Season Preview: Better late than never? Indian football resets for a truncated season
Times of India
by TANUJ LAKHINAFebruary 14, 2026
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The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season is set to begin after a significant delay, marked by administrative challenges and last-minute decisions. The season, initially slated to start earlier, faced multiple hurdles, including a contentious vote on whether to expand to 15 teams or maintain the 14-team format. Ultimately, the league will proceed with 14 teams, featuring a single round-robin structure across 91 matches. This truncated season, beginning in February 2026, was delayed due to the expiration of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL)'s contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), coupled with legal disputes and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The delay has posed numerous challenges, such as stadium readiness issues and player departures. Clubs have had to navigate uncertainty, with some even considering shutting down operations. However, stakeholders demonstrated resilience by agreeing to pay cuts and investments despite financial constraints. The AIFF's role in the chaos has been scrutinized, but they managed to finalize arrangements, albeit under pressure from the Sports Ministry, which prioritized India's 2036 Olympic bid.
Despite the turmoil, the season's commencement reflects a collective effort to keep football alive in India. While the future remains uncertain with potential legal battles over relegation rules, the ISL's ability to launch at all is a testament to stakeholders' commitment. This situation underscores the broader challenges and opportunities facing Indian football, particularly as the country aims to establish itself on the global stage. The season's outcome will not only impact domestic football but also attract international attention, given India's growing influence in the sport.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026