New Delhi, May 20: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has rejected the Premier 1 club license applications for several prominent Indian football clubs for the 2026-27 season. Notable clubs affected include Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Kerala Blasters FC, and Odisha FC.
The announcement was made during a meeting of the AIFF’s Club Licensing Committee, First Instance Body (CLC-FIB) on May 17. Clubs such as Sporting Club Delhi, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohammadan Sporting Club, and Inter Kashi have had their licenses denied. The governing body clarified that these clubs can appeal against this decision or request exemptions to participate in national competitions under the applicable regulations.
In an official statement, the AIFF mentioned that clubs whose applications have been rejected may either appeal against the decision or seek exemptions to participate in national club competitions.
Meanwhile, clubs like Northeast United FC, East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Punjab FC have been granted licenses with certain conditions. Although these clubs have completed the licensing process, the conditions indicate that some criteria or compliance requirements still need to be fulfilled.
The Indian club licensing system is an annual requirement aimed at improving professionalism, infrastructure, administration, and sporting standards among the country’s clubs. This licensing framework determines eligibility for participation in both domestic and Asian competitions, as approved by the AIFF and the Asian Football Confederation.
Under this system, licenses are divided into two categories: ‘Premier 1’ for Indian Super League clubs and ‘Premier 2’ for clubs within the Indian football league structure. The evaluation process considers various standards, including financial status, legal matters, infrastructure, staffing, and youth development.
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RSG
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