The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has granted official recognition to the truncated 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, allowing Indian clubs to remain eligible for continental competition despite the shortened schedule. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the development on Thursday, providing clarity on India’s representation in Asian tournaments.
According to the AIFF, the winners of India’s top two football divisions will be awarded indirect entry into the Asian Champions League 2 (ACL 2) through zonal qualification rounds. This arrangement ensures that Indian clubs continue to have a pathway to continental football, even though the domestic season will not meet the usual match requirements set by the AFC.
The 2025–26 ISL season has been truncated due to a delayed start, which has made it impossible for clubs to complete the mandatory 24 matches in a single season. Under normal circumstances, these matches—spread across the top-tier league and domestic cup competitions—are required for eligibility to participate directly in the AFC Champions League 2.
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In view of the exceptional situation, the AFC has agreed to relax certain criteria for the current season while maintaining its broader competition standards. However, the slots granted to Indian clubs will be indirect, meaning teams must progress through zonal qualifiers rather than receiving direct entry into the group stage of the continental tournament.
AIFF officials said the recognition was crucial to protecting the interests of Indian clubs and maintaining continuity in Asian competitions. They added that discussions with the AFC were held to ensure that Indian football was not unduly penalized for circumstances beyond its control.
The decision offers temporary relief to Indian football stakeholders, but it also underscores the importance of timely scheduling and compliance with continental regulations in future seasons. The AIFF is expected to work closely with league organizers to ensure that upcoming ISL seasons meet AFC requirements and secure stronger continental representation.
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