The All India Football Federation has secured participation confirmations from all fourteen Indian Super League clubs. The federation now anticipates the league will commence next month with a full roster of teams. This development comes despite some clubs expressing they still await final word from the sports ministry before making a fully informed commitment.
Federation Moves Forward with Planning
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan confirmed the positive response from every club. The federation recently requested all teams to submit details of their proposed home venues by Monday noon. This information is crucial for the AIFF to begin crafting the official match schedule.
"All 14 clubs have confirmed their participation," Satyanarayan stated. The federation has scheduled a meeting with club representatives for Tuesday. During this meeting, officials will present details on the composition of the league's new governing board and council.
Clubs Prepare While Seeking Clarity
Several clubs noted they continue to wait for responses on specific points raised with the sports ministry. However, they are not sitting idle. Teams like FC Goa are actively preparing internally on matters within their direct control. FC Goa has already submitted all logistical information, designating Fatorda as its home ground, but seeks final clarity on previously discussed issues with both the government and the AIFF.
Most clubs have straightforward choices for their home venues. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal will use the Salt Lake stadium. FC Goa plans for Fatorda, Jamshedpur FC for the JRD Tata Sports Complex, and NorthEast United for Guwahati. Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC also express a strong desire to host matches at their home grounds, though these venues may require some preparatory work.
League Structure and Venue Strategies
The upcoming ISL season will feature a total of 91 matches played on a home-and-away basis. Each club will play approximately six or seven matches at home, with the exact number depending on the final draw of lots.
Interestingly, at least two clubs have proposed playing all their matches away from home. Inter Kashi FC formally communicated to the AIFF on Monday its willingness to play an entire away season. The club cited the proposed Swiss System single-leg format and the broader interest of Indian football's growth as reasons. This move, they believe, will help other clubs maximize matchday revenues and boost the league's overall momentum and visibility.
Cost considerations appear to be a major factor for Mohammedan Sporting's similar thinking. The club is weighing the option of playing away matches to avoid the significant expenses associated with organizing home games.
Pending Decisions and Alternatives
One notable exception is Mumbai City FC. The club must wait until after the upcoming civic body elections to finalize a decision on its home venue. Should the Mumbai Football Arena become unavailable, the AIFF understands that venues in Goa and Kerala are viable alternative options for hosting matches.
The AIFF's immediate next steps involve forming the league council. Once established, the council will release a short-term Request for Quotation (RFQ). Discussions regarding the final selection and preparation of all match venues will continue in parallel with the scheduling work.
