Indian Super Cup 2025 to Feature Less Than 16 Teams Amid Uncertainty

The Indian Super Cup, the country’s premier season-ending knockout football competition, is set to witness a further reduction in participating teams in its 2025 edition. According to a report by The Times of India, the upcoming tournament will feature fewer than 16 clubs, marking another drop in numbers since its inception in 2018.

The Super Cup initially kicked off with 20 teams in its first edition, but the competition has seen a gradual decline in participants. The 2024 edition, which saw East Bengal FC emerge as champions, had 17 teams in contention. The upcoming edition, however, is expected to fall below 16 due to financial constraints faced by I-League clubs and uncertainty regarding participation from some Indian Super League (ISL) teams.

Financial Struggles Impacting I-League Participation

The Super Cup has traditionally featured all ISL clubs alongside selected I-League teams. However, this year, only two I-League clubs—Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi—have expressed interest in competing, citing financial limitations as a key hurdle for others. The lack of resources has forced several I-League teams to opt out of the tournament, reducing the overall competitiveness of the event.

ISL Teams Yet to Confirm Participation

The uncertainty is not limited to I-League teams alone, as not all expected ISL clubs have confirmed their participation. This has led to concerns about the structure and credibility of the competition. Despite the stakes being high, with the tournament winner earning a spot in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs, the declining number of teams raises questions about the Super Cup’s viability.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has yet to make an official statement regarding the final list of participating clubs. However, with the tournament format still in flux and clubs hesitant due to financial and logistical concerns, the 2025 Super Cup is set to be one of the most unpredictable editions in the competition’s history.

As Indian football continues to evolve, the Super Cup’s shrinking participation highlights deeper issues within the domestic structure, particularly in supporting clubs beyond the ISL. Whether the AIFF can address these concerns and restore the competition’s appeal remains to be seen.