2026 IFL season to begin on October 16; clubs approve three-foreign-player rule

The Indian Football League will begin its 2026-27 season on October 16 after the Governing Council approved key regulations, including limiting teams to three foreign starters. Clubs also committed to AIFF academy accreditation as part of a long-term youth development strategy

Hyderabad: The Governing Council of the Indian Football League (IFL) met at the Football House in New Delhi on Monday deliberated on key decisions for the 2026-27 season. It was confirmed that the Indian Football League 2026-27 season will commence on October 16, 2026.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 10 of the 11 IFL clubs — Aizawl FC, FC Bengaluru United, Chanmari FC, Delhi FC, Dempo SC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Sreenidi Deccan FC. Mohammedan Sporting Club did not attend.

---

From the AIFF, Deputy Secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan, Head of Competitions Mr Akshay Rohatgi and Head of Strategy and Operations Mr Nildeep Mondal were present.

In another significant decision aimed at increasing gametime for Indian players, a regulation permitting a maximum of three foreign players in a team’s starting line-up was confirmed for the upcoming season.

The broadcast performance of IFL 2025-26 was also reviewed. Last season, the IFL recorded 17.56 million live television viewers.

As part of their long-term commitment to strengthening youth development, the IFL clubs collectively agreed that every club will enrol in the AIFF Academy Accreditation Programme and attain a minimum two-star accreditation before the 2027-28 season. The clubs also committed to developing their academies to achieve a minimum three-star accreditation by 2030.

AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan said, “This was our first meeting ahead of the new season, and we began by reviewing last year’s truncated campaign, looking at all the key numbers, both in terms of broadcast performance and overall expenditure. The clubs were pleased that we were able to conduct the league on a very tight budget.

“We also discussed the roadmap for the new season, including the proposed budgets. While a few aspects are still being finalised, we are pleased that the start date has now been confirmed, and we will work together towards delivering a successful 2026-27 season.”