Super Cup 2025: I-League Clubs Stay Away, Only Two Show Interest

The Super Cup, a crucial event in Indian football, is facing a less-than-expected turnout this season. The tournament, usually featuring a strong representation from I-League clubs, is likely to feature fewer than 16 teams in its upcoming edition, with only two I-League sides confirming their participation.

Organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Super Cup is set to take place in Odisha later this month. Historically, the competition sees top teams from the Indian Super League (ISL) joined by a select number of I-League clubs. However, this season, the I-League clubs’ response has been tepid, prompting concerns about the competition’s overall stature and success.

I-League’s Underwhelming Response

This year’s Super Cup edition will have a significantly reduced participation from I-League clubs. The AIFF had initially reached out to all I-League clubs, requesting them to register their interest in the tournament. The plan was that, should more than three clubs express interest, a qualifying tournament would take place, with the top three teams advancing to the final stage. But only two I-League teams, Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi, have shown interest, leaving the AIFF in a dilemma.

As a result, the AIFF is expected to finalize the fixture list with these two I-League clubs, along with the 13 ISL teams. This situation means that the tournament may not feature the usual competitive mix between the top tiers of Indian football, and the absence of several I-League clubs raises questions about the tournament’s appeal.

Financial Constraints Leading to Withdrawal

The primary reason for the I-League’s subdued response seems to be financial constraints faced by many clubs. A club official, who wished to remain anonymous, pointed out that participating in the Super Cup often does not make sense from a financial standpoint for many smaller clubs. “Most I-League clubs have financial constraints. It does not make sense to take part in a knockout tournament where you could end up playing just one game. This involves a month’s extra salary, travel, and stay. Saving this money will help us with next year’s budget,” the official said.

For many clubs, the financial burden of extra travel, accommodation, and wages during the tournament period outweighs the benefits, especially when their chances of advancing far in the competition are slim. The lack of a compelling financial incentive is clearly a deterrent, and the consequences of an early exit make the investment feel unjustifiable for clubs that are already operating on tight budgets.

AIFF’s Preparation Amid Uncertainty

Despite the lack of enthusiasm from the I-League, the AIFF is pushing ahead with the competition. The tentative fixtures for the Super Cup include some intriguing matchups. The tournament will kick off on April 20, with Kerala Blasters taking on East Bengal. Meanwhile, FC Goa, who finished second in the ISL’s league stage, is set to face the lower-ranked I-League team, which will be decided on April 6. The higher-ranked team will play Bengaluru FC in another exciting encounter.

A senior AIFF official confirmed the uncertainty around team confirmations: “We are waiting for confirmations from a couple of ISL teams as well. They are yet to send us the Participation Team Agreement.” This indicates that even within the ISL, there are some clubs that have not yet committed to the tournament, further highlighting the uncertainty surrounding this edition of the Super Cup.

The Stakes: AFC Champions League Playoffs

One of the key motivations for clubs to participate in the Super Cup is the chance to qualify for the 2025-26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs. The winner of the tournament will secure a spot in these prestigious continental qualifiers, presenting an invaluable opportunity for Indian clubs to showcase their talent on the international stage. However, with fewer I-League teams participating, the competition may lack the competitive edge needed to make the tournament more appealing to fans and clubs alike.

While the financial constraints of I-League clubs may be understandable, it raises questions about the future of the Super Cup as a truly national competition that brings together the best from both the ISL and I-League. Without full participation from both leagues, the tournament risks losing its relevance in the eyes of both players and fans.

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