The Hero I-League 2021-22 season will be back on track on March 3, 2022, in Kolkata after a long halt to ensure the safety of all the players and officials involved in the league.

The I-League 2021-22 will continue within the safety of a bio-bubble, which will begin on February 20. All players, staff, and officials need to travel with three negative RT-PCR tests before joining the bio-bubble. Additionally, on the advice of Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Member of AIFF's Sports Medical Committee, every player also requires a 12 lead ECG before arrival.

Once all the players are inside the bio-bubble, need to serve 7 days in quarantine, with three more tests. On receiving three negative RT-PCR tests in quarantine; the players and officials will be free to operate from within the bubble. And attend training sessions, meals, team meetings, and matches.

I-League 2021-22: An official statement by AIFF

"We had stopped the league initially as we wanted to ensure the safety of the players and officials involved, and did not want COVID-19 to spread," said Sunando Dhar. 

"Now, after getting the clearance from the relevant authorities and a go-ahead from Dr. Harsh Mahajan, we feel that with the positivity rates going down, this is the best time to restart the season."

"I have been in touch with all the clubs and they have all expressed their excitement, and are looking forward to the restart," he added.

There will be no changes in the format of the I-League. The matches were played across three venues – Kalyani Municipal Stadium, Naihati Stadium, and the Mohun Bagan Ground.

National Football team coach Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Manolo Marquez, who could not even beat a weak team like Hong Kong, which is 26th behind the Indian team in the FIFA rankings, mailed his resignation to the federation the night after the match. The federation has decided to officially announce the resignation of the national coach around Wednesday afternoon.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

India’s hopes of qualifying are now precarious

Indian men’s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the team’s struggles into sharp focus.

Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimac’s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the team’s ability. India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquez’s future.

Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation

Rumours of Marquez’s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.

However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.

“He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.

“We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.

India must win their remaining four matches

India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquez’s presence for those games remains uncertain.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

• Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
  • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
• Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
  • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
• Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
  • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
• Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
  • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
• Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
  • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
• Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
  • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
• Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
  • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
• Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
  • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
• Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

• Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
  • For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
• Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
  • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
• Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
  • Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
• Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
  • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
  • For the highest number of male player registrations.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
  • For leading in female player registrations.
• Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For innovative football initiatives.
• MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For extensive grassroots programs.
• MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
  • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
• MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
  • For conducting the most coaching courses.
• MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For leading in referee training programs.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee has made a big move to speed up the confirmation of the I-League Champions. The much-awaited meeting on April 28 has now been rescheduled for April 12, paving the way for a timely end to the thrilling title contest.

🚨AIFF appeals committee meeting will take place on 12th April !
Most probably we will get the official I-League winners on the 12th !

[⚠️ Rules are very clear , if AIFF fails to give justice then Inter Kashi will explore new options including CAS ] pic.twitter.com/ivYsu4aVZy

— Inter Kashi Xtra (@IkfcXtra) April 11, 2025

In the present scenario, the focus has shifted to provisional leaders Churchill Brothers and their closest challengers, Inter Kashi. The latter is optimistic of gaining another three points from a game played against Namdhari in January that could tip the title in their direction.

Besides being eligible for a cash award of INR 1 crore, the league champion also earns promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League, India's highest-tier men's football.

Read Also | Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Fixture, Details and Everything you need to know

AIFF Appeal Committee to meet on April 12

At first, the AIFF Disciplinary Committee awarded Inter Kashi three points from Namdhari for using an ineligible player, Cledson Carvalho da Silva, who had accumulated an excess of yellow cards. However, this verdict was suspended on March 27 by the Appeals Committee, spreading further uncertainty across both clubs.

As the season draws to a close, both clubs are in a position of nervous anticipation about their immediate future and prospective transfer plans. The AIFF is now under intense pressure from both Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi to come to a quick resolution.

Anil Kshatriya, who is a member of the Appeals Committee and plays a vital role in it,m has confirmed the new date of the meeting, assuring that the decision-making process will be unbiased.  When asked about this matter, he said to Sportstar, "Yes, the Committee will be meeting on Saturday. We will hear both sides, and only then will we come to a conclusion."

The Appeals Committee is chaired by Retired Justice Rajesh Tandon and includes other members such as Retired Justice Ashok Kumar Tripathi, Kshatriya, and legal expert Diwakar Thite.

I-League 2024-25 Final Standings

As things stand currently, Churchill Brothers is leading with 40 points after 22 matches, and Inter Kashi is trailing by a mere point.

If the extra points are awarded to Kashi, they will enjoy their first-ever I-League championship. If the verdict goes in favor of Churchill, they will claim the third I-League title in their history.

The All India Football Federation announced the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 fixture on Monday, April 7th. 

The fifth edition of the Kalinga Super Cup will take place entirely at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from April 20 to May 3, where 16 teams will ply their trade for the coveted silverware.

The champions of this tournament will also seal the passage to the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, having an opportunity to represent India in continental stages. 

Format and Teams 

AIFF has announced that the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 edition will return to its previous knockout format, similar to the first two editions in 2018 and 2019. The 2023 and 2024 editions featured an expanded group stage format, followed by a knockout round.

However, 13 Indian Super League teams will participate in the tournament, as they were seeded for the Round of 16 according to their final league position in the 2024-25 season. On the other hand, three I-League teams confirmed their participation – Churchill Brothers, Inter Kashi, and Gokulam Kerala FC. 

They will face the top three ISL teams– Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC. These teams will know their opponents in the opening Round of 16 through a draw on Wednesday, April 9.

In the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, if the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes, there will be no extra time. Instead, a penalty shoot-out will determine the winner. However, if the scores are tied at the end of 90 minutes in the final, extra time will be played, and if necessary, a penalty shoot-out will determine the champion.

Teams of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025:

I League Clubs:

Churchill Brothers FC Goa

Inter Kashi

Gokulam Kerala FC

ISL Clubs:

Complete Schedule 

The Round of 16 matches will take place on April 20, 21, 23, and 24. The quarter-finals are scheduled for April 26 and 27, followed by the semi-finals on April 30. The final match will be held on May 3.

Mark the dates for the #KalingaSuperCup! 🏆

April 20 - May 3 🗓️
Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar 🏟️

More details 🔗 https://t.co/RRioHkR4lJ#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/bf96Vc4cNB

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) April 7, 2025

Here is the Knockout bracket for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025:

The bracket for the #KalingaSuperCup 2025 is set! ⚔️

16 teams, 1 trophy 🏆
📍 Bhubaneswar#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/XQrvtkc92W

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) April 7, 2025

The 2025 edition of the AIFF Super Cup will be hosted at Bhubaneswar in Odisha, likely in the second week of April. The event is the premier annual Indian football cup tournament, and this will be the second consecutive Super Cup tournament in the state of Odisha.

AIFF have also announced the tentative dates for the competition to be planned between April 18 and 27, but the official confirmation is yet to arrive.

East Bengal FC are the defending champions, having defeated the hosts, Odisha FC, in the final of the 2024 edition. 

AIFF confirms the venue and tentative dates for Super Cup 2025

This will be the fifth edition of the tournament and is open to the two top divisions of Indian football, featuring the Indian Super League and the I-League, respectively.

The Super Cup replaced the Federation Cup in 2018, and three of the last four editions have taken place in Bhubaneswar.

In 2024, the tournament was a 16-team competition and featured all 12 teams from the Indian Super League and four teams from the I-League. It started with the group stage and progressed to a 4-team knockout tournament.

Although the format and the final dates of the 2025 edition of this tournament are yet to be announced, there are speculations of changing the format in the upcoming editions. The winner of this tournament will also qualify for the qualifiers of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two, the second division of the Asian club football competition.

⚽ The 2025 Super Cup is heading back to Bhubaneswar, Odisha! 🏆🔥

Reports suggest that India's premier club football tournament will take place in the second week of April, marking Odisha’s second consecutive year as host.

Can East Bengal FC defend their title, or will a new… pic.twitter.com/BBqblni4Gj

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) March 5, 2025

The winner of this competition will join Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the continental competition, who have already qualified for the group stage of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League, by winning the Indian Super League 2024-25 Shield.

Anilkumar Prabhakaran, the General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), said the following to Sportstar:

Yes, the tournament will happen in Bhubaneswar, but the other details (exact dates and format) have not been decided yet. It will be finalised in the next few days