Jamshedpur FC has announced its withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2026-27 season, hours after missing a payment deadline. The club stated its commitment to promoting and developing football at the grassroots level in India. This comes amidst a new agreement between AIFF and ISL clubs for a club-led model of the league.
Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a pre-planned strategic decision to refocus on grassroots football development, independent of the league's commercial uncertainties, according to Tata Steel Vice President D B Sundara Raman.
With the livelihood of nearly 5,000 people at stake, and FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and global players' union FIFPRO keeping a close watch, the Court fixed August 28 as the next date of hearing.
'The AIFF has agreed that: It will conduct an open, competitive and transparent tender (or equivalent process) for selection of a commercial partner to conduct the ISL in line with global best practices.'
Will negotiate with FSDL to arrive at mutually agreeable measures: AIFF after SC hearing
AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.
East Bengal secured the Indian Super League title after a dramatic season, defeating Inter Kashi in the final. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured a full-fledged format next season despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding the league's structure.
Nearly 150 Indian Super League players, including national team members, face an uncertain future as their contracts expire amid ongoing disputes between the AIFF and clubs over the league's structure.
Several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have hinted at uncertainty regarding their participation in the 2026-27 season due to ongoing issues surrounding the domestic top-tier competition. The clubs are reviewing their commitment beyond the current season amid disagreements with the AIFF over commercial partnerships and league structure.
Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.
Two companies are competing for the Indian Super League and Federation Cup commercial rights, with Genius Sports offering over Rs 2100 crore. Capri Sports bids for the Indian Women's League rights.
Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited bids for the commercial rights of men's and women's club competitions, offering two packages for a minimum of 15 years starting from the 2026-2027 season.
The top-tier ISL will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis.
The latest crisis emerged after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) could not find a new commercial partner for the conduct of domestic league, including the top-tier Indian Super League.
After marathon meetings with stakeholders, Mandaviya promises end to Indian football "stalemate"
The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).
Bengaluru FC players, including India legend Sunil Chhetri, have accepted pay cut for the truncated Indian Super League season, starting on February 14.
Sports Minister hears out I-League representatives; urges constructive dialogue
FC Goa players pause play during ACL 2 match against FC Istiklol to highlight ISL's uncertainty
The All-India Football Federation has formed a three-member committee, headed by former judge Justice L Nageswara Rao, to oversee the entire tender process for selecting its new commercial partner, as per a directive from the Supreme Court.
City Football Group said the decision followed a comprehensive commercial review and was shaped by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ISL.
'With the exception of any additional slot(s) allocated to a Member Association in accordance with Articles 3.4 and 3.5, Member Associations that fail to fulfil the Member Association Eligibility Criteria shall, subject to Article 4.4, be eligible to be allocated only indirect slots for the relevant AFC Club Competition.'
AIFF for "flexible" approach during Sports Minister Mandaviya's meeting with football stakeholders.
FC Goa players, including India captain Sandesh Jhingan, and support staff have accepted pay cut for the truncated ISL season starting on February 14.
Staring at a permanent paralysis: Indian footballers urge FIFA intervention on ISL
Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal on Wednesday called on the players to "make sacrifices" in view of the financial burden the club will shoulder to participate in the delayed Indian Super League.
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri appears poised to extend his iconic association with Bengaluru FC, as the club dropped a teaser video hinting at a new deal for the 41-year-old.
Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the AIFF has been asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with FSDL, the apex governing body's commercial partner running the ISL, until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.
13 clubs have confirmed for truncated ISL, AIFF hoping for Odisha FC to join: sources
AIFF waiting for AFC response over continental slots for ISL clubs in case of fewer matches
SC directs Nageswara Rao to oversee selection of new commercial partner of AIFF
SC-appointed Justice Rao recommends striking balance between AIFF autonomy and bidders' interests
ISL Imbroglio: AIFF calls for meeting between legal counsels of federation and clubs
2018-19 ISL champions Bengaluru FC said they had taken the decision "in view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season."
10 ISL clubs slam AIFF for delay in tender process, allege "breach of trust"
AIFF asks clubs to confirm participation in delayed ISL
All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey on Friday said the governing body has been working in a "dedicated" manner to start this season's Indian Super League (ISL), currently on hold due to uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
AIFF top brass to meet eight ISL club CEOs on Aug 7 to discuss their concerns
India thus topped the list for a third consecutive year, something that might hurt its chances when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) evaluates its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games in the near future.
