Stalemate ends! Indian Super League to begin on February 14th, 91 matches on list

NEW DELHI: Ending the long series of unsuccessful negotiations and financial stalemate, the schedule of this season's Indian Super League football was announced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday. The ISL season will start on February 14 this year, unlike the usual schedule in October.

ISL was postponed indefinitely after sponsors withdrew from the tournament. The matches will be msotly held in Goa and some in home grounds of respective teams.

The minister also announced that 14 clubs will participate in the ISL season. All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey was also with the minister during the announcement. There will be 91 matches in this season. It is announced that the matches will be played on a home-and-away basis. However, the number of I-League matches has been reduced this season. 55 matches will be played in the I-League.

The All India Football Federation will provide funds for running the league until new sponsors are found. The ISL will be given Rs 14 crore, and the I-League Rs three crore. Kalyan Chaubey announced that a separate governing body will be formed to run both the leagues, and decisions, including financial matters, will be taken under the supervision of this body.