ISL Set to Kick Off on February 14, All Teams Will Take Part: Mansukh Mandaviya

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that the Indian Super League, which had been on hold due to the absence of a commercial partner, is set to begin on February 14.

The ISL will include all 14 clubs, and the I-League, also previously halted, will take place “around the same time” with all 11 clubs participating.

“There was a lot of speculation surrounding the ISL, but today the government, football federation, and the 14 clubs—including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—held a meeting and decided that the ISL will commence on February 14. Every club will be involved,” Mandaviya stated.
Joining him at this long-awaited meeting was the beleaguered All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey, who elaborated after the Minister’s announcement.

The ISL will feature 91 matches played on a home and away basis, with logistics still in the works.

The I-League will be a condensed event with 55 matches.

“A ₹25 crore central pool has been allocated solely for the ISL’s execution. Ten percent of this fund will come from the AIFF, while 30 percent was expected from a commercial partner; however, since we currently lack one, the AIFF will cover that contribution,” Chaubey explained.

“In total, the AIFF will provide ₹14 crore for the ISL and around ₹3.2 crore for the I-League until we secure a commercial partner,” he added.

Chaubey mentioned that a Governing Council Board would be established to oversee the leagues and would be “empowered to make all commercial decisions.”