ISL promotion and relegation debate gets heated up: Former India coach Armando Colaco has warned that Indian football will not improve until there is a proper promotion and relegation system between the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. He said the ISL has given exposure to players, but without the threat of relegation or the chance of promotion, clubs lack motivation to improve, and new teams struggle to break through.
The issue came into focus after the AIFF Appeals Committee scrapped relegation from the I-League earlier this year, sparing Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru. This sparked protests from ten I-League clubs, including Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala, and Dempo SC, who demanded promotion and relegation in the ISL. But the FSDL’s draft framework keeps a 10-year block on such changes, with financial and licensing rules that most I-League clubs cannot meet.
Colaco stressed that Indian football is mature enough to adopt global standards. He also called for more matches, better youth pathways, U-19 and U-23 exposure, inter-academy tournaments, and more turf grounds to overcome seasonal limits. Currently linked with Vedanta Sports and the Sesa Football Academy, he praised their infrastructure and youth development model as examples of what is needed nationwide.
ISL promotion and relegation: Four ISL Clubs Demand Clarity Before Committing to Super Cup Participation
Some ISL clubs are unsure about playing in the upcoming Super Cup because they want more clarity on finances, tournament structure, and broadcast rights. The AIFF has planned the Super Cup from October 25 to November 22, with 13 ISL teams and 3 I-League teams. Clubs were told to confirm participation by Thursday.
According to reports, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City, Chennaiyin FC, and Odisha FC are yet to give full approval, though at least two of them have conditionally agreed. They want clarity on revenue sharing, operational costs, and whether the winners will get India’s second continental spot.
From the I-League, Inter Kashi, Churchill Brothers, and Real Kashmir (RKFC) were given direct entry if they confirm. If they don’t, clubs like Gokulam Kerala, Rajasthan United, and Dempo SC may step in. Inter Kashi and RKFC have shown interest already.
A Kerala Blasters official even said that clubs cannot plan budgets without knowing how much broadcast revenue they will get or what expenses will be. The AIFF is still finalising a commercial partner, with bids to be opened on September 15, and the new partner is likely to be in place only by late October or early November.
FAQs
Q. Is the ISL 2025-26 season on hold?
A. The 2025-26 ISL season has been put on hold because of delays in renewing the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF.
Q. Which is the best team in ISL?
A. Based on goals scored, FC Goa is the best-performing team in ISL history with 391 goals in 221 matches.
Q. Who owns Mohun Bagan?
A. Mohun Bagan Super Giant is owned by the RPSG Group, led by Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, which bought an 80% stake in 2020.
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