On Thursday, Real Kashmir FC declared its decision to pull out of the next AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 because of visa delays in acquiring visas of its foreign staff. The withdrawal of the Srinagar-based side has also resulted in Dempo SC being named as the replacement of the side in the tournament, which will start in Goa on October 25. Real Kashmir FC, commonly known as the Snow Leopards, were in Group A — dubbed as the “Group of Death” — alongside Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Chennaiyin FC. The team was to play against East Bengal in the tournament opener on October 25, and face Mohun Bagan SG on October 28 and Chennaiyin FC on October 31.
Logistical Challenges Force Real Kashmir FC’s Withdrawal
Real Kashmir FC decided to withdraw with an announcement of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) via its social media account. “Real Kashmir FC has withdrawn from the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26, as their foreign players could not get the visas. Dempo SC will replace Real Kashmir FC in the Super Cup.” This is too big a loss for Real Kashmir FC, which was excited to play against the best clubs in the country after a respectable finish in the I-League last season. A contributing factor for Real Kashmir FC’s withdrawal was the unavailability of its foreign players, who have played prominent roles in its recent matches.
Dempo SC Steps In
Dempo SC has been called in as a replacement of Real Kashmir FC in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26. Originally based in Goa, Dempo SC boasts of a good record in Indian football, especially in the I-League. The inclusion of Dempo SC makes Group A balanced with regard to competitiveness and exciting to local fans since they will have a team that they will support in this prestigious tournament.
Dempo SC will play the following group stage matches in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26:
- October 25: Dempo SC vs East Bengal FC
- October 28: Dempo SC vs Mohun Bagan SG
- October 31: Dempo SC vs Chennaiyin FC
Therefore, Dempo SC has the ticket to test themselves against some of India’s top-flight teams in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26.
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Expert Reactions
Football analysts mentioned that Real Kashmir FC’s absence is sad, but Dempo SC’s experience in the I-League could give them an edge as a dark horse in Group A. Former players remark that the Goan side is tactical and has been able to take on ISL clubs in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26.
AIFF and Tournament Preparations
In an earlier update, the AIFF executive committee approved the start date for the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 for October 25, and approved the RFQ to engage an agency to handle the commercial side of the competition. As per the Supreme Court Triple Bench Order dated September 2, the federation will have to guarantee that the Indian football calendar commences on time, which requires finding a commercial partner after no MRA was reached about a commercial rights agreement.
With Dempo SC entering the contest, the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 will be competitive even with the withdrawal of Real Kashmir FC. Fans will anticipate how Dempo SC will perform against leading ISL clubs in Group A, creating a particularly fascinating festival of this edition.
Amit Mishra’s Take
In Indian soccer fan circles, the news that Real Kashmir FC is withdrawing from the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 is a loss, especially for fans of the Snow Leopards wanting to see the club test itself against some quality and top-tier clubs at home. The club based in Srinagar learned that foreign players were delayed in getting their visas, meaning it would be impossible to take part, drawing attention to some of the logistical concerns clubs must deal with. Allowing Dempo SC to replace Real Kashmir FC injects new life and local support into Group A while providing access to new storylines in this iteration of Super Cup. While it would have been ideal to see Real Kashmir FC participate, Affan Iqbal and the club will always be a part and representative of the respective section of Indian football. In this case, Dempo will be an experienced team that will be organized and disciplined to be competitive. Football’s high interest at present means the Super Cup 2025-26 will still be of interest to many fans who will continue to pay attention to how this new group plays out.
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