Federation Cup likely to return in 2024/25 after 7-year absence

The Federation Cup could finally return, after a delay of several years. The 2024/25 AIFF Club Competition tentative calendar featured the tournament, and the expectation is for it to be played across a six month period starting from October 1st. 

It is likely that the historic tournament will replace or merge with the Super Cup, which seems to be the only way for Indian clubs to qualify for AFC competitions. However, an official announcement is yet to be made by the football federation about the revival. 

Federation Cup to return in 2024/25? Signs say so 

There were rumours that the Federation Cup could be played in 2023/24, but marketing sponsor and scheduling issues prevented it from materialising. The Super Cup’s failure to generate credibility and popularity among fans is also one of the reasons behind the revival of the historic tournament. 

The inaugural edition of the Federation Cup was played in 1977, while the final one was played in 2017. Sunil Chhetri’s Bengaluru FC defeated record 14-time winners Mohun Bagan in the finals to clinch the title for the second time in their history, and remain the Cup’s last winners. 

But if the calendar is indeed correct, then we could be seeing a comeback and replacement of the Super Cup with a historic tournament.