"AIFF Announces AFC Recognition for Truncated ISL; Champions to Secure Indirect Slots in Super Cup"

AIFF Confirms Recognition for 2025-26 Indian Super League with Indirect Slots to AFC Champions League 2

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) aounced on Thursday that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has granted recognition to the truncated 2025-26 Indian Super League, paving the way for the wiers of the top two divisions in the country to secure indirect slots to the prestigious AFC Champions League 2.

Due to a delayed start to the season, clubs participating in the Indian Super League will face a challenge as they will not be able to meet the mandatory requirement of playing 24 matches in the season. This includes matches in the top division league and domestic cup competitions necessary to be eligible for the AFC Champions League 2.

Most clubs are anticipated to play a total of sixteen matches during the season, comprising a minimum of three games in the AIFF Super Cup and 13 matches in the ISL. The 2025-26 season is set to kick off on February 14, with all 14 teams confirming their participation.

The AFC, in a letter dated January 15, mentioned that Member Associations failing to fulfill the eligibility criteria may only be eligible for indirect slots in the relevant AFC Club Competition. The AFC's deputy general secretary, competitions and football, Shin Man Gil, highlighted the conversion of direct slots into indirect slots in such scenarios.

Following requests from ISL clubs, the AIFF sought a one-time exemption from the minimum match requirement of 24 for this season to enable participation in the AFC Champions League 2. The AIFF's deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan wrote to the AFC requesting the exemption citing exceptional circumstances impacting Indian football.

The exemption, if granted, would support the AIFF's efforts to restart the league and provide encouragement to clubs amidst the challenges faced by all stakeholders in Indian football. The AIFF had previously asked clubs to submit venue details for home games to finalize the fixture and broadcast and commercial rights partners.

The ISL 2025-26 season, which had been in limbo since FSDL, the AIFF's commercial partner owned by the Reliance Group, put it on hold last July, is now set to proceed following the conclusion of negotiations related to the Master Rights Agreement on December 8, 2025.