New Delhi, Jan. 4 -- Indian football has received a much-needed boost amid its ongoing crisis. Just a day after top stars like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan released a video pleading for FIFA intervention, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on January 3, 2026, that it will directly conduct the delayed Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season. Start dates are expected next week, offering relief to players, clubs, and fans.

The uncertainty over the ISL had reached a breaking point by early January 2026. With no commercial partner secured and the season stalled since mid-2025, players voiced deep frustration in their "Save Indian Football" video.

"It's January, and we should be on your screens as...