Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Delayed ISL season to begin on February 14, a significant step towards stability in Indian football
A major and reassuring development has emerged for Indian football, as Odisha FC have officially confirmed their participation in the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season. The season, which had earlier been postponed due to various reasons, will now commence on February 14. In its statement, the club said it is fully committed to working closely with the Government of India, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and all stakeholders to keep Indian football active and strong.
Odisha FC clarified that the decision has been taken in line with the proposal put forward by the AIFF and in support of the Government of India’s objective of ensuring continuity, stability, and long-term growth of Indian football. According to the club, maintaining momentum in domestic football during the current transition period is extremely important not only for players, clubs, and staff, but also for the millions of football fans across the country.
In its statement, the club noted that over the past decade, Odisha FC have remained a responsible stakeholder in the development of both men’s and women’s football in India, making consistent investments in the football ecosystem. The decision to participate in the ISL reflects the club’s strong belief in the future of Indian football and in the Indian Super League as the country’s premier football competition.
It is noteworthy that Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had recently announced that the 2025–26 ISL season will begin on February 14. All 14 clubs will take part in the season, with a total of 91 matches to be played. The tournament will follow a single-leg home-and-away format.
The decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the AIFF, which provided a much-needed lifeline to the ISL after several months of uncertainty regarding its future. Launched in 2014, the franchise-based Indian Super League has been India’s top football league since the 2019–20 season, and it also offers Indian clubs two qualification spots for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions.