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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) convened a crucial meeting with Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on August 7, 2025, in New Delhi, signaling a proactive approach towards planning the 2025-26 football season. Chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including club CEOs representing 13 clubs, representatives from Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and prominent AIFF representatives such as Vice President Shri NA Haris, Treasurer Shri Kipa Ajay, Chairperson of the Finance Committee Shri Menla Ethenpa, and Chairperson of the League Committee Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar. The gathering served as a platform to address pertinent issues related to the upcoming season and to reassure clubs about the federation's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of top-tier football in the country. A central theme of the discussion revolved around the scheduling of competitions to ensure compliance with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations and to provide clubs with adequate preparation time. The AIFF proposed holding the Super Cup before the commencement of the ISL, a strategic move designed to allow clubs a substantial six to eight weeks of pre-season training. This scheduling adjustment aims to optimize player conditioning, enhance team cohesion, and minimize the risk of injuries, ultimately contributing to a higher quality of play throughout the season. The decision to prioritize the Super Cup before the ISL also underscores the AIFF's commitment to aligning the domestic football calendar with international standards, ensuring that Indian clubs remain competitive on the continental stage. The AIFF President emphasized the paramount importance of football as a matter of national interest, reaffirming the federation's dedication to safeguarding the sport's future amidst inevitable changes in personnel. Shri Chaubey's statement, "Football is a matter of national interest. Individuals may change, but the game must go on," encapsulates the enduring spirit of the sport and the unwavering commitment of the AIFF to its growth and development in India. The AIFF President's declaration highlighted the federation's unwavering commitment to ensuring the seamless continuation of footballing activities across the nation, regardless of any external challenges or changes in leadership. This dedication to the sport's continuity underscores the AIFF's understanding of football's significance as a unifying force and a source of national pride. By prioritizing the game's enduring legacy, the federation aims to foster a sustainable and thriving football ecosystem for generations to come. The proposed scheduling adjustments reflect a pragmatic approach to navigating the complexities of the football calendar, taking into account the pre-season requirements of clubs and the constraints imposed by international competitions. The AIFF's proactive stance demonstrates its commitment to optimizing the playing conditions for athletes and ensuring that Indian clubs are adequately prepared to compete at both the domestic and international levels. The proposed scheduling changes are strategically designed to provide clubs with ample time for pre-season training and preparation, which is crucial for optimizing player fitness, tactical cohesion, and overall team performance. By allowing clubs six to eight weeks of dedicated pre-season, the AIFF aims to minimize the risk of injuries, enhance the quality of play, and ensure that Indian clubs are well-prepared to compete at their highest level throughout the season. This emphasis on pre-season preparation underscores the AIFF's commitment to fostering a culture of professionalism and excellence within Indian football.
Furthermore, the AIFF President highlighted the extensive scope of footballing activities organized by the federation, citing the staggering number of national tournaments and matches held annually. With 22 national tournaments, including the ISL, and over 1,800 matches played in the past year, the AIFF's commitment to promoting football at all levels is evident. Shri Chaubey also underscored the ongoing training camps for various national teams, including the U17 women's, U23 men's, and U20 women's teams, as well as the AIFF Futsal Club Championship. These initiatives demonstrate the federation's dedication to nurturing talent, fostering youth development, and promoting the growth of football across different formats and age groups. The AIFF President's announcement of 22 national tournaments and over 1,800 matches played last year demonstrates the federation's commitment to providing ample opportunities for players to compete and develop their skills. This extensive calendar of events underscores the AIFF's dedication to fostering a vibrant and competitive football ecosystem throughout the country. The ongoing training camps for various national teams, including the U17 women's, U23 men's, and U20 women's teams, highlight the AIFF's focus on youth development and talent identification. By investing in the training and preparation of young players, the federation aims to cultivate a pipeline of skilled athletes who can represent India on the international stage. The AIFF Futsal Club Championship, which commenced on August 3 in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, showcases the federation's commitment to promoting the growth of futsal, a fast-paced and dynamic variant of football. By organizing and supporting futsal competitions, the AIFF aims to broaden the appeal of the sport and provide opportunities for players to develop their skills in a different format. The AIFF's initiatives extend beyond traditional football, encompassing various formats and age groups to cater to a diverse range of players and enthusiasts. This comprehensive approach to football development ensures that the sport remains accessible and engaging for all, regardless of their age, gender, or skill level. By investing in youth development, promoting diverse formats, and organizing a wide range of competitions, the AIFF aims to cultivate a thriving football culture that benefits the entire nation.
To solidify the planning process, a follow-up meeting is scheduled within the next 7–10 days to finalize the Super Cup kick-off date and address related logistical considerations. This proactive approach reflects the AIFF's commitment to meticulous planning and ensuring a seamless execution of the football calendar. The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to address any remaining concerns, fine-tune logistical arrangements, and ensure that all necessary preparations are in place for a successful Super Cup tournament. The follow-up meeting underscores the AIFF's commitment to collaborative decision-making and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on the key aspects of the football calendar. By involving club representatives, FSDL representatives, and AIFF officials in the planning process, the federation aims to foster a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the success of Indian football. The focus on finalizing the Super Cup kick-off date and logistical arrangements highlights the AIFF's attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-organized tournament. By addressing these practical considerations, the federation aims to create a positive experience for players, fans, and all other stakeholders involved in the Super Cup. The AIFF's meticulous planning process reflects its commitment to professionalism and excellence in the administration of Indian football. By proactively addressing logistical challenges and ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place, the federation aims to create a conducive environment for the growth and development of the sport. In conclusion, the AIFF's meeting with ISL clubs signifies a proactive and collaborative approach towards planning the 2025-26 football season. The emphasis on scheduling adjustments, youth development, and meticulous planning underscores the federation's commitment to fostering a thriving football ecosystem in India. The initiatives undertaken by the AIFF demonstrate its dedication to nurturing talent, promoting diverse formats, and ensuring that Indian football continues to flourish on the national and international stages. Through its unwavering commitment to the sport, the AIFF aims to inspire a passion for football among generations of players and fans, contributing to the overall growth and development of the nation.
Source: AIFF-ISL CEOs meet; plan competitions for 2025-26 season