AIFF decides not to include Churchill Brothers in ISL 2025-26

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday decided not to include Churchill Brothers in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The decision was taken at a meeting of the AIFF Executive Committee, which took place virtually at 12 noon on February 12 and was attended by almost the entire quorum.

It is understood that members unanimously agreed that preparations for the 2025-2026 season had already been completed and that no additional team could be added at this stage.

The development comes after three members of the committee requested a meeting to discuss Churchill’s inclusion in the competition. Lihat juga hgtgdfgdtr19. The meeting, initially scheduled for February 9, could not take place due to a lack of quorum, but eventually took place on Thursday.

Meanwhile, 13 of the 14 ISL clubs – all except Mohammedan Sporting – had written to the AIFF not to hold talks about inclusion as Churchill’s participation without promotion would jeopardize the league’s credibility.

Churchill Brothers had provisionally finished at the top of the I-League rankings after the last match day of last season.

However, second-placed Inter Kashi, who were deducted four points by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) appeals committee – a decision that would otherwise have made them champions – challenged the sanction in the Court of Arbitration for Sport and eventually got an award in its favour.

As a result, Kashi, instead of Churchill, was crowned I-League champion, earning promotion to the ISL.

The 2025-2026 ISL season will comprise 91 matches and will be played in a shortened format, with all 14 teams playing each other only once, home or away.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play against Kerala Blasters, while newly promoted Inter Kashi will take on FC Goa on the opening matchday, February 14.

Published on February 12, 2026