Valentine with Football: Indian Football Crisis Nears End, Govt Announces Date For ISL Restart

Indian football’s top competitions are set to resume, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirming that the Indian Super League will kick off on February 14 after a pause over commercial issues, while the I-League is also planned “around the same time” with full club participation.

Mandaviya said the decision followed talks between the government, the All India Football Federation and club representatives, including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, ending weeks of doubt about the upcoming season and assuring that all teams from both leagues will take part.

Indian Super League and I-League restart dates and formats

Detailing the outcome of the meeting, Mandaviya stated, “There was lot of speculation regarding ISL but today govt, football federation and 14 clubs, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal included had a meeting and we have decided that ISL will start February 14. All clubs will participate,” confirming the long-awaited restart.

The Indian Super League is planned as a full season with 91 fixtures on a home-and-away basis, though officials are still finalising travel schedules and venue logistics, while the I-League will return in a shorter version consisting of 55 matches, yet still involving all 11 participating clubs.

Indian Super League and I-League funding and governance plans

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, who joined Mandaviya at the briefing, outlined the financial structure, saying, “A Rs 25 crore central pool has been made for only the conduct of the ISL. 10 percent of this fund will come from AIFF, 30 percent was to come from a commercial partner but since we don't have on right now the AIFF will pitch in with that contribution,” explaining how the league will be funded in the absence of a sponsor.

Chaubey further added, “In all, the AIFF will give Rs 14 crore for ISL and about 3.2 crore for I League till we find a commercial partner,” indicating that the federation will shoulder extra costs temporarily while the search for a new commercial deal continues.

Looking ahead, Chaubey said a new Governing Council Board will be set up to run both leagues and will be “empowered to take all commercial decisions,” aiming to streamline decision-making and provide a stable framework for future Indian Super League and I-League operations.