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Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Season on hold, ISL clubs told
Days before a decision on who should run India's top men's football competition can be expected from the Supreme Court, a letter reached Indian Super League (ISL) clubs informing them that the 2025-26 season has been placed on hold. ISL season runs from September to April. (ISL) Issued by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), AIFF's commercial partners and organisers of ISL, the letter informs clubs that since discussions on the 'potential renewal of the MRA (master rights agreement)…remain inconclusive at this time', the season has been 'placed on hold.' HT has a copy of the letter sent on Friday. The letter explains that since the 15-year MRA is due to expire on December 8, 2025, 'approximately one-third of the way through a typical ISL season which runs from September to April', it would not be possible for FSDL to 'effectively plan, organize or commercialise the 2025-26 ISL season.' The decision 'has not been taken lightly,' the letter states. Discussions on the MRA have been stalled following an observation by the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi that no major decision be taken till the verdict on the new AIFF constitution, one that could lead to fresh elections and direct whether the top league should be run by the federation. The hearing ended on April 30. AIFF not agreeing to FSDL's proposals that included a moratorium on promotion and relegation for 10 years and that ISL will be run by a joint-venture company comprising clubs, the federation and its commercial partners too have not helped. HT had reported on the proposals on June 21. The letter has come when six ISL clubs, including 2024-25 double winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant, continue to prepare for the Durand Cup that starts on July 23. And while FC Goa have opted out of the season opener, they are likely to start pre-seasons next week because of the Asian Champions League 2 qualifier against Oman; Al-Seeb on August 13. 'It's considerate of FSDL to keep the clubs informed,' said Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC. 'What they've communicated isn't entirely new to us. There's a difference between the league being put on hold and the season being cancelled. At NorthEast United FC, we are focused on preparing to defend our Durand Cup title and remain hopeful that there will be clarity soon.' Clubs being active on the transfer market is proof that Tamhane is not alone in thinking this way. Mohun Bagan are rumoured to have signed Punjab FC and India left-back Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan has reportedly returned to Bengaluru FC and East Bengal have renewed with PV Vishnu and bought players from I-League clubs. And it is not as if only Indian players are being signed. Mumbai City FC have announced the signing of Argentine Jorge Pereyra Diaz from Bengaluru FC.
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor outcast Safuwan lands loan move to Sailors
KUALA LUMPUR: Unwanted by Selangor despite having a year left on his contract, defender Safuwan Baharudin has officially joined Singapore Premier League champions Lion City Sailors on loan for the 2025-2026 season. Selangor confirmed the move with a brief social media post on Sunday. "Centre-back Safuwan Baharudin has officially joined Lion City Sailors (Singapore) on loan for the 2025/26 season. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, Saf," read the statement. No further details were provided. The announcement ends weeks of confusion and speculation, following Timesport's report last month on what was dubbed the "curious case of Safuwan." The 34-year-old Singapore international had publicly claimed that he had been told he was no longer part of Selangor's first-team plans, and was later spotted training with the club's Under-23 squad in Shah Alam. Safuwan made history in 2015 as the first Singaporean to play in Australia's A-League, with Melbourne City. He has since become a familiar presence in the Malaysia Super League, having turned out for several clubs over the past decade. Now, he is eager to begin a new chapter with the Sailors, a move that reunites him with national teammates Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan and Shawal Anuar. "I'm very excited to be part of a team that's doing everything it can to raise the bar for Singapore football," said Safuwan in a statement. "I followed the club's run in last season's Asian Champions League 2 closely — it was truly inspiring for the country. The club's lofty ambitions are very much aligned with my own goals, and I'm ready to help us reach even greater heights this season."
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
DPMM FC to foot travel bill for Super League teams heading to Brunei
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that DPMM FC will fully sponsor all Malaysian Super League teams travelling to Brunei during the 2025-2026 season. MFL acting chief executive officer Shazli Shaik said the sponsorship arrangement forms part of a key agreement between MFL and DPMM to ensure the smooth participation of the Brunei-based club in the M-League. Under the agreement, DPMM will cover all travel and accommodation expenses. The move mirrors the support the club previously extended to teams in Singapore's S-League. "One of the most important matters in our agreement with DPMM is this sponsorship," said Shazli after the launch of the official match ball for the 2025-2026 season on Saturday. "DPMM requested that it be implemented for the upcoming season, and they've confirmed Brunei will bear the cost." Shazli clarified that although DPMM will compete in the M-League, the club are not eligible to represent Malaysia in international club competitions - Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) and Asean Club Championship (ACC). "If Brunei qualify, they will not represent Malaysia as a national slot holder," he said. At the event, MFL unveiled the official ball for the new season - the PUMA Orbita MFL 1. Shazli also announced that 12 teams have confirmed their home venues, with Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan identified as an alternative site should any team face last-minute issues. He revealed that Immigration FC have been given until Monday to confirm their venue, while MFL will travel to Brunei on July 10-11 for a special briefing with DPMM . "Our East Coast zone is settled. The Darulmakmur Stadium will serve as a backup venue if necessary," he said. The 13 teams who will play in the M-League next season are Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan Darul Naim, KL City, Police, DPMM, Melaka and Immigration.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Willian Lira returns to M-League with Selangor
KUALA LUMPUR: Brazilian striker Willian Lira has signed for Selangor ahead of the 2025-2026 M-League season. The 31-year-old, unveiled as the club's fourth foreign signing, will lead Selangor's charge across multiple fronts — the M-League, Asean Club Championship and Asian Champions League 2. Lira is no stranger to Malaysian football, having scored eight goals in 14 appearances for Kedah in 2023. This time, he returns not as a rising prospect but as a seasoned, battle-hardened forward who has made his mark in every Asian league he's played in. "I chose Selangor because it's a strong and well-respected club," said Lira, who began his career in Brazil's lower leagues before stints in North Macedonia, Thailand, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. "Having played in the M-League before, I believe I can adapt quickly. I already know the league's style, the rules, and some of the players, which will help me settle in." Lira made a name for himself in Japan with Ventforet Kofu, scoring 18 goals across two J2 League seasons and helping the club win the 2022 Emperor's Cup — their first major title. He then struck 15 goals in Thailand's top flight with Chonburi and added 13 goals and five assists with UAE's Hatta Club last season. "My goal is to help the Red Giants compete for titles and, of course, to score as many goals as I can," said Lira. "I've done it for other clubs before, now I want to do it for Selangor. I'll give my best every day, on and off the pitch."
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
It's official: AIFF, Marquez part ways
Kolkata: The senior men's national football team will have a new coach – their third since June 2024 – after Manolo Marquez and All India Football federation (AIFF) mutually agreed to part ways. Marquez's request to be relieved of national team duties was ratified by the AIFF executive committee at a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. Manolo Marquez and the All India Football Federation have agreed for the Spaniard to step down as the India men's national football team coach. (AIFF Photo) Over the next few days, an advertisement for the position of the head coach will be issued and, hopefully, by the middle of this month, AIFF will be able to prepare a shortlist, said Satyanarayana Muthyalu, the federation's deputy secretary-general. The shortlist will be given to the technical committee which will forward its recommendations to the executive committee, he said. The next window for international matches is in September and India do not play in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier till October 9 when they meet Singapore away. Marquez was appointed in July 2024 after AIFF sacked Igor Stimac – and had to pay $400,000 ( ₹ 3.35 crore then) as compensation, a first in the 88-year history of the federation. India managed one win, in a friendly against Maldives in March, in eight matches under the Spaniard who won the Indian Super League (ISL) cup with Hyderabad FC in 2021-22 and was also in charge of FC Goa last season. HT had reported on May 6 that Marquez could quit as India coach and continue at FC Goa with whom he won the Super Cup last term, a result that gave the club the right to compete in Asia. FC Goa will play Oman's Al Seeb FC in a single-leg Asian Champions League 2 qualifier on August 13. Cut to foreigners proposed The executive committee, following consultation with the technical committee, also proposed that the number of foreign players in the playing 11 in ISL and I-League be reduced by one, said an official who attended the meeting. An AIFF media release said the move is being suggested to increase match time for 'Indian players, particularly strikers'. The release does not mention how AIFF will implement this. Should it be accepted, it will be mean a team can have three foreigner players on the pitch at any time in the top two tiers of Indian football. 'We are not sure ISL will accept the proposal but we can implement it in I-League,' said the official who is not authorised to speak to the media and hence did not want to be named. National team director Subrata Paul, and former coaches Bimal Ghosh and Armando Colaco, who are the AIFF president's advisors, attended Wednesday's meeting. The EC has also proposed that I-League players be allowed to take part in the men's national championship for the Santosh Trophy and the National Games, the official said. A feasibility study will be conducted to see if the India U23 squad can play in the I-League, the AIFF media release said. It has also been decided that players from countries under the South Asian Football Federation will not be treated as foreigners. '(AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey had mooted this on SAFF platforms and Bangladesh have already implemented it. Hopefully, India will be next,' said the official mentioned above.
