Bengaluru FC’s Football Director expresses surprise with AIFF’s hurriedness over the ISL this season!
Bengaluru FC’s director of football, Darren Caldeira, pointed out the All India Football Federation’s hasty approach towards organizing a shortened version of the ISL for the 2025-26 season. Caldeira wrote on his X account, ‘While we all continue to work tirelessly towards a solution, asking clubs to commit to a league overnight despite there being limited clarity on commercial partners, broadcasters, AFC compliance, and costs incurred seems a bit rushed.’ He pointed out the lack of urgency shown by the AIFF over the past months. He added, “I do understand the time sensitivity, given that December has now passed. However, in that context, the sudden sense of urgency is a little unexpected, particularly given the absence of similar urgency over the past months.” The Federation had previously met with the clubs on 28th December to discuss a solution for the 2025-26 season, where the teams questioned whether India’s spots in Asia (continental competitions) would remain despite a shortened season. The AIFF has now asked for confirmation about the exact number of clubs that will play this season and the format, so that the quantity of matches per club can be ascertained. Satyanarayan, the deputy secretary general of AIFF, wrote a letter to all ISL clubs, requesting them to also confirm their preferred format in the league, so that the federation can request an exemption from the Asian Football Federation (AFC) accordingly. According to the AFC rulebook, a team must play a minimum of 24 matches to be eligible to participate in Asian competitions. However, a shortened season would mean there would be significantly fewer matches, and the AIFF would thus seek a special exemption from the AFC.
AIFF wants to be assured of clubs’ participation before floating a fresh tender within 10 days
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sought confirmation from Indian Super League (ISL) clubs for participation in its 2025-26 edition, before preparing to float its premier League’s tender soon. Consultancy firm KPMG has been tasked to prepare a request for proposal (RFQ) document, keeping in mind AIFF’s 20-year proposal to clubs on 26th December. The AIFF is reportedly planning to float fresh tenders within 10 days. But before floating a fresh tender after the first one failed to receive any bid, AIFF wants to be assured of participation from clubs and format for the current edition. “AIFF is required to submit the outcome of these meetings to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before 2nd January, 2026. Further, the Honorable Supreme Court is scheduled to resume after vacation on 5th January 2026, and all stakeholders may be required to file relevant documents in accordance with legal advice,” AIFF’s deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan wrote in a letter to CEOs of ISL clubs on Wednesday. “In this regard, you are requested to kindly confirm the participation of your respective clubs and the proposed competition format, enabling AIFF to formally communicate with the Asian Football Confederation, including the actual number of matches to be played in the tournament for the 2025-26 season. However, Multiple discussions have happened between AIFF and clubs over the last seven days, though no formal agreement has been reached over budget, if and format for the current season. A section of the clubs wants a commercial partner, similar to AIFF’s erstwhile partner FSDL, to be roped in to shoulder a part of the operational costs to relieve them of the extra burden. Differences also remain over the estimation of budgets, with clubs evaluating it to be around Rs 77 crore while AIFF expects it to be in the region of Rs 35-42 crore, depending on the venue. Matches in the three venues of Kolkata and the suburbs would cost a bit less than in the two grounds of Goa. In internal discussions on Wednesday, a single-leg format in Goa has emerged as the preference for clubs, a final decision on which would be taken on Thursday before it is sent to AIFF. Each team will play 12 matches for a total of 78 matches in this format on two venues (six training grounds), the cost of which has been kept at around Rs 40-42 crore. With no matches even at the start of the new year, and time being of the essence for a February 5 to 7 tentative start, AIFF set a 24-hour cut-off time for clubs’ response.
Pal alleges of ‘betting’ in BSL; Shocked Shrachi Sports asks how ‘law of land’ can be violated?
Sudeep Pakrashi: Sourav Pal, one of the IFA vice-presidents, has again been accused of ‘betting’ in the ongoing Bengal Super League (BSL). The key reason behind his allegation is the presence of Dafa News, which runs online betting operations as one of Asia’s leading betting companies. Pal, when asked to clarify his allegations, commented, “Dafa News is directly linked with betting, and as they are one of the brands in the ongoing BSL, match-fixing in the League is taking place.” Pal cited another example, adding, “Is it not ridiculous that after each and every League match, a penalty shoot-out takes place? Why? What is its purpose? Everything related to match-fixing!” The IFA vice-president added, “Swarup Biswas, also the vice-president, and I have both submitted protest letters to the IFA in its last Finance-Committee meeting as well as in the Governing-Body meeting, raising voices against Dafa’s presence in the League. Even Arup Biswas, the state’s last sports minister, asserted that BSL will not get the stadiums and grounds for the matches if Dafa is there.” However, Tomal Ghosal, Chairman, Shrachi Sports, when contacted for his reaction, told Parallel Sports, “First of all, betting is banned in India. So, how can the ‘law of land’ be violated? Then how does the question of match-fixing come? Secondly, the penalty shoot-out, which is being held after the end of each match, has been developed as purely a separate competition to attract viewers. It is not at all related to the results of respective matches. Thirdly, Dafa’s presence is not only here in this League, India’s one of the premier sports competitions, but Hockey India League (HIL) also has Dafa as one of its brands! It was also in the recently-concluded Kerala Pro-League.” Ghosal added, “We are upset with the allegations. Do these people who are making false allegations know that how many young footballers, debutant in the BSL, have drawn attention of the country’s several leading coaches and scouts? Do these people know that how many ISL and I-League clubs have shown curiousness on the emerging talents of BSL already? I am sure IFA is also shocked at the allegations. Isn’t it true that BSL has created the platform for those who were not at all getting the desired exposure to show their mettle?”
Wolves end 11-straight defeat with a draw against tired Manchester United!
Manchester United made a frustrating end to 2025 as it was held to a 1-1 home draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday, as the Premier League’s bottom side collected its third point of the season. Wolves brought an end to a run of 11 straight defeats in the league. They never looked like a side facing almost inevitable relegation, as it managed to derail a United seeking to break back into the top four. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee made the most of a rare start by giving United the lead in the 27th minute, fashioning a sliver of space on the edge of the box before scoring with a shot that deflected off Ladislav Krejci. Benjamin Sesko almost made it two in the 39th minute, but he headed his effort from a corner off the post, summing up a frustrating night for the 22-year-old Slovenian. Wolves never backed down, and Krejci equalised just before the break, Zirkzee giving him a helping hand by sending a defensive header across the box for the Czech to nod back in at the far post. The tempo remained high in the second half, with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa scrambling to prevent a header from teammate Yerson Mosquera from going into the net, while his United counterpart?Senne Lammens pulled off a superb double save to deny Krejci and Mosquera. Patrick Dorgu thought he had snatched a 90th-minute winner for ?United, but the goal was chalked off for offside following a VAR review, leaving United sixth in the standings with 30 points. Wolves is bottom with three points from 19 matches.
Sreebhumi FC concede first defeat; Coach says it was a learning experience
After two consecutive wins, Sreebhumi FC conceded their first defeat in the ongoing Indian Women’s League (IWL) at the hands of Tamil Nadu’s Sethu FC by 2-4 at Kalyani Stadium on Tuesday. Liynda Kom scored the hat-trick while Abigail Antwi, the Ghanaian striker, scored one for the winner. On the other hand, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar reduced the margin for Sreebhumi FC, scoring a brace in the 50th and 87th minutes. Sreebhumi coach Sujata Kar, when asked about her observation, explained, “The team were shaky in the first session. They tried to bounce back after the break, but our midfield organization was not up to the mark, and it created pressure on the defense as well as the goalkeeper. I believe the defeat was a learning experience for us so that we can turn around from our next match.” Sreebhumi will face Karnataka’s Kickstart FC in their next encounter. In another match on Tuesday morning, NITA FA edged past debutant Garwal United FC by a solitary goal at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE). India international Pyari Xaxa scored the winner.
‘Phenomenal’ Ronaldo Nazario’s training tips to present generation of footballers!
Ronaldo Nazário de Lima, known professionally as Ronaldo, said he believes footballers now find it easier to make major improvements in the training process, especially considering the increased emphasis on physical fitness training. The phenomenal Brazilian striker stated in the World Sports Summit, held in Dubai, “Players suffer less than we suffered before because now the training is 100 times more effective than before.” One of the most feared strikers in football history recalled how pre-season training during his playing career was often rigid and physically punishing, with little consideration for positional differences or individual needs. “I was not happy doing pre-season because they put me running with Roberto Carlos, with Cafu, and they are crazy about running 10 to 15km,” he said. Ronaldo explained that such training methods were ill-suited to his role as a striker, whose game relied on short bursts of speed rather than endurance running. “I played for 20-metre, 15-metre sprints, and pre-season was the worst time of my life,” he added. According to Ronaldo, modern training methods have moved away from uniform programs and made them more specific, allowing players to train more efficiently. “If you strike, you don’t need to run like 10km,” he said. “You do that one time, and after that, you go through training specific to you.” Ronaldo added that advancements in physical preparation have reduced unnecessary physical strain compared to previous generations. “The training now is 100 times more effective than before,” he said. Now working on the administrative side of football, Ronaldo said he shares those perspectives with players, noting that training approaches must adapt to the individual. Ronaldo retired from professional football in 2011 after a career that included spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. While he did not attend university, he said his education came through football itself.
AIFF eyes centralized venue and waits for AFC slots to resume ISL
The Indian Super League (ISL) this season, even if it can be resumed, has a chance of being staged at only two or three centralized venues. With any new commercial partner yet to be confirmed, the AIFF and the clubs (seven ISL clubs attended the meeting virtually), in a scheduled meeting on Monday, spent the whole day on budgeting of the ISL this season in a new format. Along with the budgeting, which is expected to take shape in Tuesday’s meeting again, AIFF is also likely to appeal to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC,) whether they allot any slot for the ISL champions in any AFC club competitions if a single-leg League or the League is staged at centralized venue.s. Simultaneously, AFC is expected to get confirmation from the AIFF about the number of teams participating in the League this season. However, one of the AIFF officials, when asked whether it would be possible for the Federation to resume the League without the support of FSDL, revealed on condition of anonymity, “We are sure that the ISL will resume this season and it will take off from the next season.”
Cristiano Ronaldo says the historic 1,000-goal achievement is within his grasp, provided injuries do not obstruct him!
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again expressed the desire to define his football journey. He has made it clear that the 1000-goal milestone is not a distant dream but a target he fully expects to reach. The Portuguese legend reaffirmed his belief at the recent Globe Soccer Awards. He pointed out that the historic achievement is within his grasp, provided that injuries do not intervene. “It doesn’t matter if I play in the Middle East or Europe. I want to keep winning titles and reach the milestone everyone knows. I’m confident I’ll get there if there are no injuries. Enjoy the night and Happy New Year,” stated Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s recent brace in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al-Akhdoud brought his career tally to 956 goals, putting the four-figure mark in sight. That victory was Al-Nassr’s 10th straight Saudi Pro League win, keeping them atop the table. Ronaldo and Joao Felix are now tied on 12 league goals each in the Golden Boot race. Despite occasional debate around his international role following Portugal’s turbulent qualification phase, head coach Roberto Martinez has consistently defended Ronaldo’s place, citing his influence, professionalism, and output. Even at nearly 41, Ronaldo continues to deliver at a level most players never reach in their prime. With 40 goals in 2025 and peak fitness, Ronaldo’s chase for 1000 goals feels realistic.
A reunion of Messi and Barcelona for the first time after five years!
For the first time in the last five years, a reunion between Lionel Messi and his former club, Barcelona, is going to happen as Inter Miami, the MLS Cup champion, has announced a pre-season tour where the American club will play against Barcelona. Messi, who left Barcelona in May 2021 with a loss to Celta Vigo at an empty Camp Nou, has never played against his former clubs so far. Inter Miami’s pre-season tour, starting next month, has been scheduled for the first three pre-season matches across South America on Saturday. Miami will open its pre-season tour visiting Peru. In its second pre-season tour Inter Miami will be playing against Alianza Lima. Alianza is the second most successful side in Peru with 25 First Division titles, while also boasting an international competition cup in its trophy cabinet. Its next trip will be to Medellin for a match against Atlético Nacional, Colombia’s most successful football club, with 18 First Division titles, two Copa Libertadores titles, two Copa Merconorte titles, two Copa Inter-Americana titles, and seven Copa Colombia titles. The MLS Cup champion’s final trip will be against Barcelona de Guayaquil in its first-ever match against a team from Ecuador. Barcelona is the most successful side in the Ecuadorian top-flight league, with 16 titles.
AIFF optimistic about ISL clubs’ consent to its 20-year proposal; also finds interest from new corporates!
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) seems optimistic that the clubs that were handed a long-term (20-year) proposal to run the country’s top-tier football league on Friday will finally agree. The Federation is waiting for the clubs’ consent in the next crucial meeting on 29th December, scheduled at the Football House in New Delhi. The club representatives, however, will reportedly convince the respective club owners before agreeing to the AIFF proposal. They are also expected to confirm the model of the ISL, proposed by the three-man committee. AIFF, however, is aware that with the resumption of the ISL this year, operated by the clubs themselves, it will not be able to gain financial profit. But it is believed that three multi-national corporate houses have expressed a desire to invest in Indian football in the near future. They are reportedly keen to join the ISL as commercial partners, but from the next season. It is also believed that once the AIFF gets clubs’ official consent in its 29th December meeting, the Federation has planned to appeal to the Union Sports Ministry to ask the respective state governments to come forward with their support for the ISL clubs who will be hosting their home matches, after choosing the proposed model.
