AFC Approves Shortened Indian Super League Season with Qualification Changes
The All India Football Federation announced significant developments on Thursday. The Asian Football Confederation has officially recognized the truncated 2025-26 Indian Super League season. This recognition comes with important changes to how Indian clubs will qualify for continental competitions.
Reduced Match Schedule Forces Qualification Adjustments
Due to a delayed start, clubs cannot complete the mandatory twenty-four matches required for direct entry into AFC Champions League 2. Most teams will play only sixteen matches this season. This includes thirteen Indian Super League games and at least three Super Cup matches.
The AFC confirmed this adjustment in a letter dated January 15. Shin Man Gil, the AFC's deputy general secretary for competitions, explained the policy. Member associations failing to meet eligibility criteria will receive only indirect slots for AFC club competitions.
"Direct slots convert completely into indirect slots under these circumstances," Gil stated in the communication. "For example, a 2+1 allocation becomes 0+3."
AIFF's Special Request and AFC's Response
Indian Super League clubs previously urged the AIFF to seek special consideration from the AFC. They wanted a one-time relaxation of the twenty-four match minimum requirement. M. Satyanarayan, AIFF's deputy secretary general, formally requested this exemption.
Satyanarayan cited exceptional circumstances affecting Indian football this season. He asked the AFC to accept sixteen matches as sufficient for qualification purposes. The request emphasized how this exemption would support league restart efforts during challenging times.
The AFC responded by applying Article 4.3 of their Entry Regulations to the proposed season structure. This means winners of India's top two divisions will enter AFC Champions League 2 through zonal qualifiers rather than directly.
Season Details and Background Context
The 2025-26 Indian Super League season begins on February 14 with all fourteen teams participating. The shortened season will feature ninety-one total matches. Each club will play thirteen single-leg games against other teams.
This season follows considerable uncertainty about the league's future. The AIFF's commercial partner FSDL paused operations last July due to Master Rights Agreement negotiations. That agreement ultimately expired on December 8, 2025 without renewal.
Recently, the AIFF asked clubs to submit home venue details. This information will help create fixtures and finalize broadcast partnerships. The federation continues working to stabilize Indian football's premier competition.
The Super Cup will run from October 25 to December 7, 2025. Combined with the Indian Super League schedule, this creates the sixteen-match minimum for participating clubs. Both competition champions will now pursue Asian football glory through qualification pathways rather than direct entry.
