The season-opening Super Cup will kick off from October 25 in Goa. Disclosing this, an official of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Tuesday that all the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs except Odisha FC have agreed to take part in the tournament.
The ISL clubs will be joined by four I-League teams, Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala FC and Rajasthan United, in the tournament, the draw of which will be held virtually on Thursday.
The Super Cup has normally been the season-ending tournament, but due to the prevailing circumstances, it will open the season this time. The AIFF has told the clubs that the winning team of the Super Cup will be awarded the AFC Champions League 2 play-off spot for the 2026-27 season.
But the winning team will have to possess the Premier 1 Licence under the Indian Club Licensing Regulations relevant for the 2026-27 season. FC Goa made it to the ACL 2 play-offs, and subsequently in group stage, this season as champions of Super Cup 2024-25.
Indian domestic football was thrown into uncertainty after ISL was put on hold due to unresolved issues surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and the league organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). However, things are going to get much clearer in days to come with the Supreme Court recently approving the AIFF's new constitution.
Also read: AIFF, FSDL pave way for Indian Super League
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