Kerala Blasters FC has officially announced their involvement in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026, which is set to kick off on February 14. The decision comes after uncertainties arose due to stalled discussions between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and AIFF regarding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) for operating the ISL. FSDL delayed the 2025-26 edition start as the MRA was nearing expiration without clarity on renewal.
The club’s choice follows extensive consultations with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and relevant stakeholders. They expressed gratitude to the sports ministry for intervening and addressing concerns surrounding the matter. Emphasizing the evolving landscape of Indian football, the club pledged to contribute to the sport’s future development collaboratively.
Acknowledging the transformative phase of Indian football, Kerala Blasters FC committed to navigating the new economic, regulatory, and sporting dynamics for the sport’s advancement in the nation. They assured a forthcoming coordinated release of additional details through appropriate channels once pending issues are clarified.
Sports minister Mandaviya confirmed the agreement of all 14 clubs to participate in the ISL this year. Further information on tournament logistics, including match formats, platforms, and venues, will be disclosed soon. Teams are expected to regroup and commence preparations for the upcoming season upon finalizing these details.
