Indian Super League to feature 13 clubs without relegation

The upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season is expected to proceed without relegation following the withdrawal of Diamond Harbour FC. The league will feature 13 clubs instead of the planned 14 after Diamond Harbour failed to pay the second installment of its participation fee by the required deadline.

While the All India Football Federation (AIFF) governs the top-tier league, the ISL is transitioning toward a club-led model regarding commercial rights. Participating clubs have requested clarity from the AIFF regarding how regulations will function with a 13-team structure.

Under current interpretations of competition regulations, if a club fails to participate, it is treated as being relegated to the Indian Football League (IFL). Consequently, no additional teams are expected to be relegated from the ISL this season. This follows the 2025–26 campaign, which was the first to feature relegation when Mohammedan SC moved down to the IFL.