All posts tagged: ISL

AIFF urges Tata to reconsider Jamshedpur FC’s ISL exit

AIFF urges Tata to reconsider Jamshedpur FC’s ISL exit

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its “shocking” decision of withdrawing Jamshedpur FC from the embattled Indian Super League (ISL). The Tata group has made it clear that JFC’s exit from the ISL was a long-planned strategic decision to ensure that the company returns to its core ideal of grassroots football development. Tata Steel vice President (Corporate Services) D B Sundara Ramam has also insisted that the move has “nothing to do” with the uncertainty surrounding the ISL’s commercial future and would not be reconsidered. However, Chaubey said the AIFF would still hope for a rethink by the legacy corporate house. “AIFF would be happy if Tata remains in football, especially in senior top tier football. If an AIFF request or application can change their mind…the AIFF would like to appeal that for the interest of the players and football, Tata should remain in the senior football league,” Chaubey told PTI in an interview. “The AIFF welcomes any suggestion (from them) and is ready to incorporate …

ISL: The one thing you never lose is hope, says Coyle

ISL: The one thing you never lose is hope, says Coyle

Kolkata: Jamshedpur FC were in contention for the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) title till the last round. In a season where uncertainty was the only certainty, one that kicked off with resignations from the league’s managing committee, Jamshedpur FC were constant in their endeavour to ensure that football was not interrupted. Owen Coyle. (Jamshedpur FC) They had even signed head coach Owen Coyle on a two-season contract last January after Khalid Jamil left to take charge of the India men’s team in 2025. Understandable therefore that Coyle would be left blindsided by last week’s decision to disband the first team. “I didn’t see this coming,” Coyle told HT over the phone from his home in Ribble Valley, Lancashire. “But in football, the one thing you never lose is hope,” said the peripatetic coach who has been in charge of teams in the Premier League and in Major League Soccer. Since the decision to disband – a first in the ISL which began in 2014 – former India captain Sunil Chhetri and current international Sandesh …

‘Devastated, didn’t see this coming:’ Players stunned as Jamshedpur FC quits ISL

‘Devastated, didn’t see this coming:’ Players stunned as Jamshedpur FC quits ISL

4 min readJul 31, 2026 10:29 PM IST When Jamshedpur FC‘s players were summoned for a team meeting on Friday evening, they expected a tactical discussion ahead of their Durand Cup clash against SC Delhi. Instead, they were told the club would no longer be part of the Indian Super League. Barely an hour later, the Tata Group-owned club made it official. On the official social media channels, Jamshedpur FC posted a statement that read: ‘Jamshedpur Football Club would like to confirm that it will not be participating in ISL from the 2026-27 season onwards. JFSPL remains committed, in other capacities, to the continued growth and development of football in India. We will continue in our endeavour to promote and develop the game of football, including at the grassroots level. We will continue to identify and develop young football talent across India to create a strong pathway for young players from grassroots to national and international football.’ The announcement stunned a dressing room that had been preparing for the Durand Cup and left players grappling …

Jamshedpur FC announce withdrawal from ISL after nine seasons

Jamshedpur FC announce withdrawal from ISL after nine seasons

Jamshedpur FC has confirmed that it will not participate in the Indian Super League (ISL) from the 2026-27 season onwards, bringing an end to its nine-year journey in India’s top-flight football league. The Tata Steel-owned club announced the decision in an official statement on Friday after failing to meet the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) extended deadline to pay the first instalment of the participation fee under the league’s new commercial framework. Under the revised club-led model, ISL clubs were required to confirm their participation by paying an initial fee of ₹55 lakh by July 20. Jamshedpur FC sought an extension until July 31, citing the need for shareholder approval as Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited (JFSPL) is backed by Tata Steel. Club to continue grassroots football initiatives Despite being granted additional time, along with daily penalties during the extension period, the club ultimately decided against making the payment and informed the AIFF that it would not participate in the league from the upcoming season. In its statement, Jamshedpur FC said JFSPL remains committed …

ISL star swaps jersey for writer’s pen in maiden travelogue

ISL star swaps jersey for writer’s pen in maiden travelogue

C.K. Vineeth, the all-action footballer who won over thousands of fans with his clutch goals and outspoken personality off the pitch, has embarked on a very different journey. The veteran forward has made his literary debut with a deeply personal travelogue, released at a time when the football world is celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His maiden book, Oru Panthukalikkarante Indian Yathrakal, which features a cover unveiled by Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri on July 17, chronicles his experiences during a 63-day solo expedition across India. Equipped only with a camera, he travelled more than 17,000 kilometres to capture the raw, unfiltered heart of the country. Dedicated to father The 38-year-old forward from Kannur, who left an impressive mark on both the I-League and the Indian Super League, dedicates this literary work to his father, C .Vasu. A retired school teacher, Mr. Vasu was the guiding force who constantly encouraged and inspired his son to write down his travel experiences. Vineeth also credits his family, close friends and a few journalists with helping him shake off …

Why ISL clubs running the league isn’t a conflict of interest?

Why ISL clubs running the league isn’t a conflict of interest?

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday announced that it had reached an agreement with Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to jointly conduct the league for the upcoming season, with the clubs set to take over its commercial operations under a new governance model. Under the agreement, the clubs will own the league’s commercial rights for the next four years, although they will have the option to review the arrangement after two years. AIFF will receive 10 per cent of the league’s net profits, retain audit rights over the league’s accounts and receive ₹1.1 crore from each participating club. The announcement has also raised a question among many Indian football fans: If the clubs themselves are running the league, doesn’t that create a conflict of interest? The short answer is no. In fact, several of the world’s biggest football leagues are run on similar lines. What did AIFF announce? The AIFF confirmed that it has accepted a club-led model for the ISL’s commercial operations. While the clubs will collectively conduct the league and own …

AIFF wants to change its name to Football Federation of Bharat, approaches govt

AIFF wants to change its name to Football Federation of Bharat, approaches govt

2 min readUpdated: Jun 20, 2026 08:17 PM IST Indian football’s governing body doesn’t want to call itself the All India Football Federation (AIFF) anymore. The federation said in a statement on Saturday that it will be submit a proposal to the sports ministry to change its name to the Football Federation of Bharat (FFB). Its current name has been in existence since its founding on June 23, 1937. The submission of the proposal was one of many key decisions that it announced after a Special General Body Meeting which was held virtually on Saturday. “It was further resolved that a proposal be submitted to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) for renaming the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the Football Federation of Bharat (FFB),” said the federation in its statement. Among other key decisions included the announcement of a start date of September 4, 2026 for the 2026/27 season of the Indian Super League, asking clubs to field three foreign players and one holding an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card, …

ARG vs ISL Today Match Live Score, Head to Head, timelines, lineups, standings, stats

ARG vs ISL Today Match Live Score, Head to Head, timelines, lineups, standings, stats

Lionel Messi during practice for the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. (AP Photo) Lionel Messi to play final warm-up game before 2026 FIFA World Cup Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni indicated that Lionel Messi would play when the reigning world champions face Iceland in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama. Addressing reporters on Monday, Scaloni said, “Leo is going to play. The only thing we haven’t finalised yet is exactly how long he’ll be on the field. I want to speak with him again during today’s session before making that decision. Our priority is making sure we don’t take unnecessary risks. Once we evaluate everything, we’ll determine the number of minutes, but the plan is for him to participate.” Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

Why ISL clubs running the league isn’t a conflict of interest?

AIFF agrees to four-year club-led ISL model after meeting with sports minister

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed to a club-led model for the Indian Super League (ISL) for the next four seasons following discussions involving club representatives and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi. Under the proposed arrangement, each participating club will contribute ₹1.1 crore per season to the AIFF. If all 14 clubs compete, the federation will receive ₹15.4 crore annually to support its regulatory responsibilities, including refereeing, legal affairs, integrity measures and anti-doping operations. The decision comes after negotiations between the federation and club owners, with sources indicating that AIFF had initially sought a higher financial contribution from clubs. However, the clubs maintained their position and secured support for the club-led framework. Representatives from almost all ISL clubs attended the meeting, with the exception of Jamshedpur FC. Newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC was also present, although uncertainty remains over the club’s participation amid an ongoing investigation into its operations. Promotion and relegation to continue under new structure One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the confirmation that promotion …

The cult hero who ended East Bengal’s 22-year wait

The cult hero who ended East Bengal’s 22-year wait

When Youssef Ezzejjari signed with East Bengal FC, the Red & Gold faithful were cautiously optimistic. They had seen marquee strikers arrive in the City of Joy before, only to crumble under the crushing weight of expectation. Turns out, the footballing gods were on their side this time! As Emami East Bengal ended their agonizing wait to claim the Indian Super League title, the Spaniard who also represented Morocco at youth level, emerged not just as the top goal-scorer, but as the pulsating heart of a historic resurgence. “I cannot describe the emotions after that final whistle on the final day. We had a few intense weeks, but then the way we bounced back in the last game against Inter-Kashi was commendable. And the celebration after that with the fans, and in the locker room with the staff was simply amazing,” Youssef recalled in an exclusive conversation with The Bridge. That he would become a cult hero so soon was something not even he had imagined. “Since day one, the moment you arrive, you realise …