ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AIFF) has asked Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to confirm their home match venues, a crucial step in finalising the schedule for the delayed 2025–26 season, which is now slated to begin on 14 February.
In a letter sent to participating clubs, the AIFF said venue confirmation was necessary to move forward with several key operational and commercial processes.
“In order to assist AIFF finalise broadcast partners, commercial rights partners and the fixtures for the upcoming season, we request you to confirm the details of the venue that you will play your home matches at,” the federation stated.
The AIFF added that once venues and initial deposits are confirmed, it will circulate a draft governance framework for the league, share draft requests for proposals to appoint broadcast and commercial rights partners, and begin work on fixtures and participation agreements. It also said it would approach the Asian Football Confederation for exemptions relating to AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) slots.
The letter also outlined the proposed financial model for the season. The total operating budget for the 2025–26 ISL season has been set at Rs 24.26 crore, with the AIFF contributing Rs 9.77 crore and each participating club required to provide Rs 1 crore.
The federation also reiterated that it remains flexible on payments, noting that clubs will be allowed to pay the Rs 1 crore participation fee in instalments up to June 2026 if immediate full payment is not feasible.
