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Sports
ISL to Proceed with 13 Teams if Diamond Harbour Misses Payment Deadline
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 11:48 AM
👁 8
The Indian Super League has announced it will continue the season with 13 clubs if the Diamond Harbour franchise fails to meet its payment obligations.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed that the Indian Super League (ISL) will operate with 13 clubs for the upcoming season should the Diamond Harbour franchise default on its scheduled payment. The decision, disclosed in a statement to the media, aims to safeguard the league’s schedule and commercial commitments.
Diamond Harbour, a newly admitted franchise, was expected to clear a substantial fee as part of its entry agreement. The AIFF said that the payment deadline has been communicated, and failure to comply will trigger the contingency plan of running the league with one fewer team.
League officials emphasized that the move will not affect the competition format, with the remaining 13 clubs continuing to play the pre‑announced fixtures. They added that the situation will be reviewed regularly, and any further developments will be communicated to clubs, sponsors and fans.
Stakeholders, including broadcasters and sponsors, have been briefed on the potential impact, but the AIFF assured that contractual obligations will be honoured irrespective of the franchise’s financial status.
The ISL, which has grown rapidly since its inception, remains committed to delivering a full season for Indian football enthusiasts across the country.
Diamond Harbour, a newly admitted franchise, was expected to clear a substantial fee as part of its entry agreement. The AIFF said that the payment deadline has been communicated, and failure to comply will trigger the contingency plan of running the league with one fewer team.
League officials emphasized that the move will not affect the competition format, with the remaining 13 clubs continuing to play the pre‑announced fixtures. They added that the situation will be reviewed regularly, and any further developments will be communicated to clubs, sponsors and fans.
Stakeholders, including broadcasters and sponsors, have been briefed on the potential impact, but the AIFF assured that contractual obligations will be honoured irrespective of the franchise’s financial status.
The ISL, which has grown rapidly since its inception, remains committed to delivering a full season for Indian football enthusiasts across the country.