AIFF Confirms Dates for Super Cup 2025 as Indian Football Plans Come Alive

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially announced the schedule for the Super Cup 2025, signalling a major development in India’s domestic football calendar this year. The tournament is set to take place from October 25 to November 22, 2025. This decision was finalized following an important virtual meeting of the AIFF Executive Committee held on September 6, 2025. The Super Cup will be conducted in a phased manner, accommodating the ongoing international commitments and the roadmap laid out by the Supreme Court regarding football governance in India. The AIFF also approved the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process to select a new commercial partner to manage the Indian Super League (ISL) and other AIFF commercial properties, reflecting a transition period prompted by the upcoming expiry of current agreements and judicial directions. This phased approach for the Super Cup is designed to ensure that Indian Super League clubs can participate fully despite the international football calendar. The timing is crucial because the FIFA international window falls in November, during which India’s national team is set to compete in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, including a key match against Bangladesh. By staggering the Super Cup fixtures, the AIFF hopes to maintain competitive club football action while minimizing the impact of player absences due to national duty. The AIFF’s plans come amid a backdrop of legal and administrative changes. The Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the current commercial partner, is set to expire in December 2025. Due to ongoing Supreme Court cases relating to the AIFF constitution, the federation was restrained from making major decisions about the ISL. However, in early September, the Supreme Court cleared the path for AIFF to move forward with the bidding process to select a new commercial agent, placing the tender process under the supervision of a three-member Bid Evaluation Committee. The committee is chaired by Justice L. Nageswara Rao, a former Supreme Court judge, alongside AFC audit expert Kesavaran Murugasu and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. This committee will oversee the selection of a new commercial partner responsible for governing AIFF’s commercial properties, including the ISL. The current MRA with FSDL involved the commercial rights of ISL and other AIFF tournaments, and brought in substantial revenue yearly. The initiation of the bidding process marks a new chapter for Indian football, allowing for transparent management and hopeful growth in domestic competitions. The Super Cup itself serves as a curtain-raiser and a vital domestic tournament bringing together clubs from the Indian Super League and the I-League. Traditionally held after the ISL season, this year’s Super Cup has been advanced to October-November in response to the temporary suspension of the ISL, allowing clubs to maintain regular competitive engagement. The tournament will provide clubs with an opportunity to test squad depth and showcase talent on a national platform, crucial for the development of Indian football standards. Reports indicate broad support among ISL clubs for the AIFF’s approach to conduct the Super Cup in a phased format before the new ISL season kicks off. This method ensures minimum disruption caused by international commitments and aligns scheduling with player availability. The AIFF’s Executive Committee meeting also included discussions on other important issues related to the domestic football ecosystem, including strategies for promotion, development, and improved governance following judicial oversight. The federation is working diligently to restore stability after a turbulent period marked by court cases and uncertainty over commercial rights. As Indian football looks to the future with renewed clarity and purpose, the confirmation of the Super Cup dates brings excitement to fans and players alike. This flagship tournament promises competitive and entertaining football action, helping to bridge the gap until the ISL returns to the field under new management. The 2025 Super Cup is more than just a football competition; it symbolizes resilience, transparency, and the collective effort to strengthen the sport’s foundation in the country. With key stakeholders aligned and legal hurdles addressed, Indian football hopes to resurge on both domestic and international fronts, fuelling the passion of millions who follow the beautiful game.