Hero Super Cup 2022-23: Everything you need to know about the tournament

The Hero Super Cup is a knockout tournament in Indian football. The clubs from the Indian Super League and the I-League take part in the tournament. The competition was inaugurated by AIFF in 2018 and Bengaluru FC were crowned the champions in the inaugural edition. FC Goa won the Super Cup in 2019 and are the reigning champions as the 2020 and 2021 editions were suspended due to COVID-19 and now the tournament is all set to make a return in 2023.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has now announced that 16 teams will take part in the Hero Super Cup 2022-23. The tournament will take place between 8-25 April 2023. Kerala has been chosen as the venue for the event, with two of three cities, Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram set to host the tournament this year. 

Hero Super Cup 2022-23: Teams

11 ISL teams will get automatic qualification along with the Champions of the I-League 2022-23 to the Super Cup group stage. The remaining I-League teams will compete for the other four group stage places.

The 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four teams each and will compete in a single round-robin format. The four winners in their respective groups will then qualify to play in the semi-finals of the tournament. 

Hero Super Cup 2022-23: Fixtures

The group stage of the Hero Super Cup 2022-23 will be held from 8-19 April 2023.

The Semi-finals will take place on 21st and 22nd April 2023.

The 2022-23 Hero Super Cup Final will take place on 25th April 2023.

Note: The winners of the Hero Super Cup 2022-23 will play 2021-22 Hero I-League Champions Gokulam Kerala FC for a spot in the 2023-24 AFC Cup group stage. 

AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran said, “It is great that the Super Cup is back after four years. We could not stage the tournament during the pandemic, therefore, its return is very positive news for Indian Football. It will provide more competitive opportunities for players.

“It will be amazing to have the Hero Super Cup in an electric atmosphere in Kerala. I’m sure the Group Stage, followed by a Knockout Rounds, will make for an interesting tournament. My best wishes to all participating teams,” he added.