Asking clubs to commit to ISL 2025-26 overnight seems rushed: Bengaluru FC’s Darren Caldeira

Bengaluru FC’s director of football Darren Caldeira pointed out the hasty approach of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to organize a shortened version of the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025-2026 season.

The AIFF sent a letter to all ISL clubs on Wednesday, December 31, asking them to recognize their participation in the league’s shortened 2025-2026 season by Thursday, January 1.

“While we all continue to work tirelessly towards a solution, it seems a bit rushed to ask clubs to commit to a competition overnight, despite there being limited clarity on commercial partners, broadcasters, AFC compliance and costs incurred,” Caldeira wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Pointing out the lack of urgency shown by Indian football’s governing body in recent months, Caldeira added: «I understand the time sensitivity as December is now over. However, in that context, the sudden sense of urgency is a bit unexpected, especially considering the lack of similar urgency in recent months.»

The Federation had earlier met with the clubs on December 28 to discuss a solution for the 2025-26 season, with the teams questioning whether India’s spots in Asia (continental competitions) would survive despite a shortened season.

The AIFF has now sought confirmation on the exact number of clubs that will play this season and the format so that the number of matches per club can be determined.

AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan wrote a letter to all ISL clubs, asking them to also confirm their preferred format in the competition so that the federation can apply for a waiver from the Asian Football Federation (AFC) accordingly.

According to the AFC rulebook, a team must play a minimum of 24 matches to be eligible to play in Asia. But a shortened season would mean that the number of matches will be much smaller, and the AIFF will therefore seek special exemption from the AFC.

“We are aware that several meetings have been held between the members of the ‘AIFF ISL Clubs Coordination Committee’ since December 24, 2025, followed by discussions with the AIFF Competition Department on December 24, 26, 28, 29 and 30, 2025,” said the letter, sent to the clubs by AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan.

“AIFF is required to submit the outcome of these meetings to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before January 2, 2026. Further, the Supreme Court is scheduled to resume after vacation on January 5, 2026, and all stakeholders may be required to submit relevant documents in accordance with legal advice,” Satyanarayan said in the December 31 letter.

“Given the urgency of the matter, it would be highly appreciated if the above confirmation is received by tomorrow, i.e. January 1, 2026.”

Published on December 31, 2025