As ISL remains uncertain, AIFF aims to keep clubs ‘match fit’ by pushing forward Super Cup

As the start of the Indian Super League (ISL) remains uncertain, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has planned to organise the Super Cup early to keep the clubs 'match fit'.

Kalyan Chaubey, president of AIFF, said at a press conference on Thursday that the idea was to give players of the competing clubs sufficient competitive matches.

"AIFF proposes that the Super Cup football tournament start from the second or third week of September to ensure the ISL clubs get enough competitive matches," Chaubey said.

"The AIFF and all the 13 ISL clubs collectively took the decision in the national interest. We will meet again in 7 to 10 days and take a final decision," he added.

The ISL, which usually begins in September, has been put on hold as the AIFF and its commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited have not renewed the Master Rights Agreement (MRA).

As a result, several clubs have been forced to suspend operations and cut the salaries of players and staff. After Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC, former champions Chennaiyin FC have also announced the temporary suspension of operations of their first team due to the impasse.

When asked about the situation with the club, Chaubey said: "It’s the club’s decision to pay their players or staff. We can’t intervene, that’s how all top leagues operate." 

The Super Cup is an annual tournament played by clubs from the ISL and the I-League, the second division.