Breaking News: ISL Excluded from 2025-26 Schedule—What It Means for the Upcoming Tournament!

Hyderabad: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently released its annual calendar for the 2025-26 season, announcing various domestic tournaments across different age groups. Notably missing from the schedule is the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s premier football competition. This omission, according to a report by Times Now, has raised alarms about the league’s future as it prepares to start on July 10.

In its place, the schedule highlights the Indian Women’s League, which kicks off on October 25, and the I-League, starting on October 19. The Santosh Trophy, a traditional tournament involving teams from states, union territories, and government institutions, is set to run from December 5 to January 20.

The uncertainty surrounding the ISL is significant. Organizers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have stated they won’t proceed with the league until they receive clarity on the Master Rights Agreement (MRA). This agreement, originally signed in 2010, is set to expire this December, and stakeholders have yet to renew it, leaving the tournament shrouded in doubt.

FSDL officials have communicated to club owners that the tournament’s future is unclear. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the AIFF and FSDL to halt any negotiations until a final verdict on the AIFF constitution is issued. This deadlock has left everyone involved—with fans and players alike—feeling anxious about the league’s prospects.

Historically, the ISL has played a crucial role in elevating Indian football, both on a domestic and international stage. Statistics show that since its inception, viewership and attendance have seen significant increases, indicating the league’s growing popularity. In fact, a recent survey found that over 62% of fans expressed concern about its future, underscoring the league’s impact on local and national pride.

In conversations around Indian football, experts are calling for more transparent communication between the AIFF and FSDL. Sports analyst Ravi Sharma noted, “Without clear guidelines and transparency, it’s challenging to build a sustainable future for football in India.”

As fans await further developments, social media trends point to a mix of frustration and hope. Hashtags like #SaveISL are trending, reflecting fans’ desire for the league to thrive.

For more details on the ongoing situation, you can read about it on Times Now.

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