Mumbai: The Indian Super League, which had been put on hold due to the absence of a commercial partner and ongoing legal issues, will resume following a high-level meeting involving the government, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and representatives of all participating clubs.

All 14 teams, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammaden FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, SC Delhi, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC and Inter Kashi, have confirmed their participation.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said the league will be played in a single-leg home-and-away format under a Swiss module system, resulting in a total of 91 matches. Logistical planning for the season is currently underway.

Chaubey also confirmed that the I-League, which was similarly paused, will be held around the same time as the ISL. The second-tier competition will feature 11 clubs and will run as a shortened season comprising 55 matches.

To ensure financial stability, a central fund of ₹25 crore has been created. Of this, 10 percent will be contributed by the AIFF, while the federation will also cover the 30 percent share originally expected from a commercial partner. In total, the AIFF will provide ₹14 crore for the ISL and approximately ₹3.2 crore for the I-League until a commercial partner is secured.

A Governing Council Board will also be set up to oversee both leagues, with powers to take commercial decisions. The move is aimed at improving administrative clarity, ensuring financial stability and giving clubs greater control over sponsorships and revenues.

Further reforms include a shorter I-League season, the merger of I-League 2 and 3, and a commitment that all six national leagues will begin and end on schedule. The Indian Women’s League will receive full funding, underlining the government’s focus on strengthening the women’s game.