Could this move bring new hope? The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has come with exciting news to Indian football fans: they have decided to move the Super Cup tournament to early September 2025 after the 2025–26 ISL season remains uncertain amid ongoing issues with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
[Report] AIFF’s Temporary Solution Amid Indian Super League Hold-Up
Since the ISL 2025-26 season is unlikely to proceed as usual this year, the AIFF plans to hold the Super Cup tournament earlier than usual, possibly in early September 2025, to keep football activities ongoing and allow teams and players to remain active and competitive.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey explained that the Super Cup, typically held at the end of the season, could now act as a temporary tournament following the Durand Cup, which is expected to kick off the football calendar.
The president said, “AIFF proposes that the Super Cup football tournament start from the second or third week of September to ensure the ISL clubs get enough competitive matches. The AIFF and all 13 ISL clubs collectively took the decision in the national interest. We will meet again in 7 to 10 days and make a final decision.”
Adding uncertainty regarding ISL, he states, “We are hoping to have ISL this season, though it may be a bit late, but we can do it with certain changes, maybe in format or other things. But that will be decided later. No decision on those things yet.”
🗣️ “We are anticipating [Super Cup] should be in the second or third week of September. Some teams need 6–8 weeks to complete prep and bring back players. In our next meeting, we’ll announce the kickoff date.” – AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey
🎥 @Sportsfan_77777 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/EH2rfQ2jDm
— The Bridge Football (@bridge_football) August 7, 2025
The Times of India reports that the proposal was presented during a meeting with ISL club representatives, who voiced concerns about the upcoming season.
During this period of football uncertainty, this proposal assists players with valuable match practice ahead of important national team fixtures starting in October 2025, including the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
[Future] Is There Any Chance ISL Will Happen This Year
There is hope, but no guarantee that ISL will take place this season. Now, the decisions depend on negotiations and possibly a Supreme Court verdict related to AIFF’s constitution.
While the ISL season is not officially canceled, as of early August 2025, at least three ISL clubs have been suspended.
- Odisha FC suspended men’s team operations as well as paused player contracts and staff, citing the league’s indefinite suspension as a force majeure situation.
- Bengaluru FC also suspended salaries of first-team players and staff.
- Chennaiyin FC announced a temporary pause on its first-team operations, joining the others in suspending payments and operations.
Thus, at least three clubs have taken drastic actions such as suspending operations or freezing salaries due to the halted ISL season.
Amit Mishra’s POV
Looking at the current scenario, the situation seems worse and worse for the ISL 2025-26 season. With three clubs out of the 14 clubs already suspending player salaries and openly acknowledging the pause, it’s hard to see the league kicking off as planned this year.
Hope the season doesn’t proceed under compromised conditions; the present signs suggest a long delay or even a complete halt. It feels like Indian football is at a crossroads, needing more stability before the ISL can truly return.
