← SPORTS 12/31/2025

Indian Football Faces Imminent Collapse: AIFF Issues Harsh Deadline

Indian Football Faces Imminent Collapse: AIFF Issues Harsh Deadline

Indian football is teetering on the brink of a major crisis as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued a strict 24-hour deadline to Indian Super League (ISL) clubs. The demand requires clubs to confirm their participation in the delayed 2025-26 season.

The sudden ultimatum has been met with resistance and concern from clubs, who view the timeframe as unrealistic. Bengaluru FC’s Darren Caldeira publicly stated the overnight commitment request feels “rushed.” Clubs are reportedly unlikely to meet the deadline, creating a standoff that could have significant repercussions for the league and the national team.

The core of the issue revolves around the scheduling and structure of the ISL, and the AIFF’s attempts to realign the league with the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) calendar. Failure to reach an agreement could lead to the suspension of clubs, potentially dismantling the current ISL structure and severely impacting the development of Indian football. The situation remains fluid, with the next 24 hours critical in determining the future of the sport in India.

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