ISL clubs have received major relief. As the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approved the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) request to relax its regulations for the current season. Under the revised provision, ISL teams will not be required to meet the mandatory 24-match criterion to qualify for AFC competitions this year. However, this exemption will apply only for this season.
As per the decision, this season’s Super Cup winners FC Goa and the eventual ISL champions will be eligible to compete in the ACL 2. The AFC officially communicated this development to the AIFF on Thursday. This was one of the key demands put forward by the ISL clubs, and it has now been accepted.
On the hind side, ISL is set to be played in a single-leg format this season, the total number of matches will be significantly reduced. This was the primary reason why clubs had sought special permission to remain eligible for continental competitions. Following the announcement of the revised league format, the AIFF wrote to the AFC explaining the situation, and within two weeks, the continental body granted its approval.
This effectively clears the path for the ISL champions to participate in the ACL Two without any hurdles. The federation is now expected to announce the league schedule soon. However, one issue remains unresolved. The clubs have raised objections to another clause in the federation’s framework, questioning the governing council’s veto power. Talks on this matter are ongoing, and once resolved, the schedule is likely to be released.
