AIFF Rejects Premier 1 License of Four Clubs for 2024-25 Season, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal escape with Sanctions

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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced its Premier 1 Football club license for the 2024-25 season.

Four ISL clubs have got their license rejected by the apex body of Indian football, as it was announced on Thursday (May 16).

It has come as a major blow for Kerala Blasters, who are among the clubs with rejected license. The other three clubs are Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC.

ISL shield champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been handed the Premier 1 license after sanctions, so are the ISL cup winners Mumbai City FC. East Bengal, another giant of Indian football also had to face sanctions. The other clubs who have got away after sanctions are - FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Northeast United and the newly promoted Mohammedan SC.

Punjab FC is the solitary club who has got its license accepted without any issue.

The sanction has jeopardized the participation of the four clubs in the ISL next season as the Premier 1 License allows a club to participate in all AFC Club Competitions (subject to qualification) and the ISL.

What is AIFF Club License?

The Indian Club Licensing System (ICLS) allows a club to participate in various tiers of Indian football.

The ICLS -1 is required for clubs participating in ISL and AFC Competitions. Similarly, the ICLS -2 is required for clubs to participate in the I-League and other National competitions.

Although AIFF hasn't elaborated on the reasons for the rejected parties, it is going to be a big blow for the four clubs. It can be an issue for the quartet to participate in the ISL next season as East Bengal, NorthEast United and Hyderabad FC all had their licenses accepted after an exemption request last year.