ISL Rule Changes: What are Four New Rules in Indian Super League?

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The Indian Super League 2024-25 season will commence with a tweak, as four new regulations have arrived ahead of the brand new season.

As the top-flight Indian football tournament enters its second decade, a quartet of rules have been implemented, as it was announced on Wednesday (September 4) at the ISL Media day in Kolkata.

The concussion substitute is one of the new rules added this season, which will allow a bit more flexibility to the coaches and the teams if any unforeseen head injury takes place. Also, the ISL has made a mandatory Indian assistant coach this season, along with appeals for wrongful dismissals and an increased salary cap.

Mandatory Indian Assistant Coach

According to the new regulations, every team must have an Indian assistant coach who holds an AFC Pro License or its equivalent. The rule specifies that if a head coach is dismissed or suspended, the Indian assistant coach will assume all head coaching responsibilities as the interim head coach.

Appeal Against Wrongful Red Cards

Players or clubs now have the right to contest a dismissal if they believe a player was wrongly sent off due to a clear referee error. This provision has been introduced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and incorporated into the ISL rules for the 2024-25 season. However, appeals will be rejected and fees forfeited if the dismissal was for receiving a second caution or using offensive language.

To file an appeal, players or clubs must notify the match commissioner within two hours after the match ends and submit it in writing with evidence and a fee to AIFF within 24 hours. The AIFF will then obtain a technical report from the Referee's Department. The AIFF Disciplinary Committee will review the appeal before any automatic suspension begins. If accepted, "the suspension will be withdrawn and the fee refunded," according to the new rule.

Concussion Substitutes

Each club is now permitted one concussion substitution per match, regardless of other substitutions made during the game. The opposing team will also receive an additional substitution opportunity that can be used immediately or later in the match. This substitution can occur right after a concussion or suspected concussion following an assessment.

The team doctor will determine whether a player is fit to continue and inform the referee using a substitution card. Players substituted due to concussion must undergo a detailed assessment by a neurologist and can only return to training or play with a medical fitness certificate. A minimum "no-contact, no training, no matches" period of 48-72 hours is required for players substituted due to concussion.

Salary Cap

A new 'Home Grown Player' category has been added this season. Any team can add up to three players in this category in their squad, who will be relieved from the salary cap brackets.

To fall into this category, a player must have to be 23 years old or younger, and they must have been in registration with the club for at least the three preceding years before the start of the ISL season. Hence, any player registered with a particular club since the 2021-22 season and with an age lower than 23 can be included in this category.