Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that the Indian Super League, which was on hiatus due to the lack of a commercial partner, will start on February 14.
The ISL will include all 14 clubs. The I-League, which was also on pause, will be held “around the same time” with the participation of all eleven clubs.
“There was a lot of speculation about ISL but today the government, football federation and 14 clubs including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal had a meeting and we have decided that ISL will start on February 14. All clubs will participate,” Mandaviya announced.
When All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey sat down with him at the much-awaited resolution table, he came under fire, who took over the explanation part after the minister’s announcement.
The ISL will feature 91 home and away matches, with logistics still being worked out.
The I-League will be a shortened event with 55 matches.
«A central pool of Rs 25 crore has been set up just for the ISL’s conduct. 10 per cent of this fund will come from AIFF, 30 per cent should come from a commercial partner, but since we don’t have it now, the AIFF will contribute from that,» Chaubey said.
“In total, the AIFF will give Rs 14 crore for ISL and around Rs 3.2 crore for I League until we find a commercial partner,” he added.
Chaubey said a Board of Directors will eventually be formed to manage the Leagues and will be “given the authority to make all commercial decisions.”
Published on January 6, 2026
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