East Bengal ended a shortened Indian Super League season with the title on Thursday (May 21) night. The league had faced controversy before it began.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said the ISL will return in a full schedule next season. East Bengal beat Inter Kashi 2-1 in the final at Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
The result sealed East Bengal’s first national league title in 22 years. East Bengal finished with 26 points from 13 matches. Mohun Bagan Super Giant also ended on 26 points. East Bengal stayed ahead on goal difference. The season format was cut, with teams playing up to 13 games.
Indian Super League future and AIFF response
Chaubey said the league would expand again in 2026-27. “Of course we will see a full-fledged ISL next season,” Chaubey told reporters after the match. The ISLs future is still uncertain due to a new deadlock. Clubs and the AIFF disagree on commercial and broadcast structures.
Several franchises want a club-led operational and commercial model. The lack of a clear plan has slowed player contracts and renewals. East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon had also raised concerns earlier. Oscar Bruzon publicly said Oscar Bruzon may not stay. Oscar Bruzon linked it to clarity on the ISLs future.
Indian Super League final: key moments
East Bengal took the lead through Alfred Planas. Inter Kashi responded soon after the break. League top-scorer Youssef Ezzejjari scored the equaliser. Mohammed Rashid then struck in the 72nd minute. That goal proved decisive in the 2-1 win. Mohammed Rashid became the unexpected match-winner.
The title race stayed open until the last set of matches on Thursday. Five teams stayed in contention before the final round. East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC, Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC remained in the hunt. Simultaneous fixtures kept pressure high. The shorter season made each result more important.
Indian Super League schedule disruption and match volume
The 2025–26 season began on February 14 after a five-month delay. The delay followed a financial and governance deadlock. It came after the Master Rights Agreement expired. The agreement was between the AIFF and FSDL. Last season had 24 matches per team. This season had at most 13.
Chaubey said the sport continued despite the pause. “I never said football would stop in India,” Chaubey said.
“This season we organised 21 tournaments and close to 2,100 matches. Never before in Indian football history have so many matches been played in a single season. Yes, there were crises and some controversies too. Sometimes controversies are even created because they keep people interested. But I strongly believe Indian football is moving forward and will continue to progress this way.”
Chaubey pointed to a seven-month stoppage after a long deal ended. “Anyone who follows Indian football knows the sport came to a standstill for seven months after the expiry of the 15-year agreement between AIFF and FSDL. For the last eight years there was a system in place and suddenly there was uncertainty. At one stage, it even looked like the league would not happen. The Super Cup started late, players lacked match fitness because there were not enough games. So as an organiser, I feel satisfied that AIFF managed to bring everybody together and successfully conduct the tournament.”
Indian Super League competitiveness and Kolkata derby impact
Chaubey said the tight title fight was a key positive. “The bigger achievement is the way the tournament became so competitive. The way Mohun Bagan and East Bengal kept fighting for the title till the very last day, I dont think we have ever witnessed such an intense ISL season before.” Chaubey added: “We made it possible through Gods grace and through everyones hard work.”
Chaubey also highlighted the Kolkata rivalry’s role in Indian football. “Whenever there is competition, it is always healthy for football. The Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is among the biggest rivalries in world football.”
Chaubey added: “East Bengal had been lagging behind over the last few years, but the way they have come back this season will immensely benefit Bengal football. As long as the Mohun Bagan-East Bengal rivalry stays alive, Bengal football and Indian football will stay alive.”
In other Thursday results, Mohun Bagan beat Sporting Club Delhi 2-1 at Salt Lake Stadium. Mumbai City FC won 2-0 against Punjab FC in New Delhi. Jamshedpur FC drew 0-0 with Odisha FC at home. The season ended with East Bengal top on goal difference, while talks on the ISL structure continued.
With inputs from PTI
Story first published: Friday, May 22, 2026, 16:12 [IST]
About the Author
