The Indian football calendar is set for a major overhaul, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) planning significant changes to enhance the sport’s appeal and fan engagement. The recent Kalinga Super Cup, which saw lackluster attendance and teams fielding second-string squads, has prompted the federation to rethink its approach. Sources suggest that the prestigious Federation Cup, dormant since 2017, is likely to make a comeback, replacing the underwhelming Super Cup from the next season.
Revamped Schedule: Durand Cup, Federation Cup, and ISL Take Center Stage
The upcoming season is expected to kick off with the Durand Cup, scheduled between July 15 and August 25. The tournament will be hosted across five venues: Kokrajhar, Kolkata, Imphal, Shillong, and Jamshedpur, with Shillong likely to host the opening match. Following the Durand Cup, the AIFF plans to introduce the Federation Cup (or the revamped Super Cup) in September, just before the Indian Super League (ISL) begins. This move aims to generate more excitement and ensure that teams field their strongest lineups, a stark contrast to the previous Super Cup, which saw minimal fan engagement and lackluster performances.
Despite the Kalinga Super Cup offering an AFC Cup spot, it failed to attract crowds, with empty stands and a tepid response from fans. This has led the federation to consider shifting the tournament to a more prominent position in the calendar, rather than relegating it to the end of the season.
ISL Start Likely Delayed
With these changes, the ISL, initially expected to start in mid-September, may now begin in late September to accommodate the revamped Federation Cup. However, the final decision will depend on whether all stakeholders agree to back-to-back tournaments before the demanding ISL season kicks off.
Concurrent Tournaments Unlikely
While some have suggested running the Federation Cup concurrently with the ISL, similar to European domestic cup competitions, this is unlikely to happen this season due to logistical challenges. If approved, the new structure could breathe new life into Indian domestic football, restoring the Federation Cup’s status as a key event in the calendar.
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