This marks a notable upgrade compared to the previous pathway, where Indian clubs often faced limited and uncertain access to AFC competitions. Qualification frequently depended on navigating early playoff rounds or participation in secondary-tier tournaments, with no consistent guarantee of group-stage representation. The lack of stability meant clubs had fewer opportunities to gain sustained exposure at the continental level.

With the revised system, there is now greater clarity and consistency in qualification, alongside increased representation for Indian clubs. A guaranteed group-stage presence ensures regular exposure to higher levels of competition, while the additional playoff spot opens the door for more teams to compete internationally. This shift also raises the importance of domestic competitions, as league standings and performances will now play a more direct role in determining continental qualification.

Overall, the expanded pathway strengthens India’s position within AFC competitions, providing clubs with valuable experience against stronger opponents and a clearer route to make an impact on the continental stage.

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Due to the Indian Super League not meeting the usual minimum match requirement, the AFC approved a one-time waiver. As a result, the winners of the Indian Super League and the AIFF Super Cup will be allowed to participate in the qualifiers for the AFC Champions League Two for the 2026–27 season.

While this ensures Indian representation continues at the continental level, it also highlights a setback. Unlike previous cycles, neither club will receive a guaranteed place in the ACL2 group stage. Both teams must now navigate the qualifying rounds, where a single poor result could end their Champions League hopes early.

There is, however, a safety net. If either or both Indian clubs fail to qualify for the ACL2 group stage, they will drop into the AFC Challenge Cup, ensuring continued participation in Asian competition, albeit at a lower tier.

The All India Football Federation confirmed the decision, acknowledging it as a necessary compromise after a disrupted season. The exemption is valid for one season only, and standard AFC eligibility rules will return from the following cycle.

In essence, the AFC’s move offers Indian football a way forward at a difficult moment — a lifeline that preserves continental access — but it also underlines a harsh reality. Indian clubs must now fight their way into ACL2, with no direct entry assured, making the road to Asia both tougher and more uncertain than before.

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The issue stems from MBSG’s failure to appear for their Group C match against Sepahan SC, scheduled to be played in Iran on September 30, 2025. The club stated that they were unable to travel due to security risks, government advisories, and the unavailability of insurance coverage, all of which raised concerns over player safety.

This incident proved costly as it was the second consecutive season in which Mohun Bagan pulled out of an away fixture in Iran. Due to this repeated action, the AFC decided to impose stricter sanctions, resulting in a ban covering two AFC club competition cycles.

As per the ruling, MBSG will be ineligible for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 AFC club seasons. However, the AFC clarified how the ban will be applied. If Mohun Bagan qualify for continental competition by winning the ISL Shield in either the 2025–26 or 2026–27 season, the ban will be served in the 2026–27 season, which would allow them to return to AFC competition in 2027–28, provided they qualify again. If they do not qualify during that period, the ban will apply to the next available AFC slot.

Before withdrawing, Mohun Bagan had requested the AFC to allow the match to be played at a neutral venue, but the request was denied. The club then approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking urgent relief, but their appeal for a provisional measure was unsuccessful, leaving the AFC decision in place.

The ruling is a major setback for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, one of India’s most prominent clubs, and could impact their continental ambitions in the coming seasons. While the club maintained that player safety was the top priority, the AFC has taken a firm stance on participation obligations, especially in cases of repeated withdrawals.

The situation highlights the growing challenges Indian clubs face in continental competitions, particularly regarding travel, security, and administrative constraints, and is likely to spark wider discussions within Indian football moving forward.

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This is a huge step forward for the women’s game in the country. Until now, Indian clubs had to go through qualifiers to reach the main tournament. But this change means the best team in India will now start directly among Asia’s top clubs.

A big reason behind this upgrade is East Bengal Women’s impressive performance in the ongoing AWCL. Their strong win over Iranian side Bam Khatoon FC, along with competitive games against top Asian teams, helped improve India’s overall club coefficient ranking. With more points added to India’s tally, the country no longer needs to send its champion through a qualification round.

This development is expected to open more doors for Indian clubs and players. Playing directly in the group stage means
• Better exposure
• More top-level matches
• Increased visibility for Indian talent
• Stronger motivation for clubs to invest in women’s football

With this new pathway, the future of Indian women’s club football looks brighter than ever. The next IWL champion will not only lift a national trophy but also step straight onto Asia’s biggest stage.

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