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  • Super Cup 2025 : FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC Semi-Final Preview

    Super Cup 2025 : FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC Semi-Final Preview

    The race for a place in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 final reaches boiling point on Thursday, December 4, 2025, with a high-stakes double-header in Fatorda, Goa. East Bengal FC face Punjab FC in the first semi-final at 16:00 IST, followed by defending champions FC Goa taking on Mumbai City FC at 20:00 IST at the PJN Stadium. Both matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed live on JioHotstar.

    FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC (20:00 IST)

    The second semi-final brings together two teams with contrasting momentum but identical ambitions. Mumbai City FC arrive after a long training block without competitive fixtures, while FC Goa come into the game battle-hardened from their AFC Champions League Two campaign. Beyond a spot in the final, both teams are fighting for a route back to continental football.

    East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

    Mumbai City FC: “Heart, Character, Commitment”

    Head coach Petr Kratky expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:

    “I’m very happy with the work we’ve done over the last few weeks. Goa are a very good team and in full rhythm because of the ACL Two, but we’ve prepared as best as possible.”

    This is Mumbai City’s third consecutive Super Cup semi-final, and midfielder Brandon Fernandes is targeting his first-ever final with the club.

    “It’s a massive semi-final for us. We want to reach the final and return to AFC competition — that’s our motivation.”

    Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Kratky emphasized Mumbai City’s attacking identity:

    “We want to play aggressive, attacking football — the style Mumbai is known for. We are building an environment where every player is ready and important. What matters is heart, character, and commitment.”

    Facing his former team, Fernandes added:

    “The past is the past. Tomorrow is about the present. Goa is my former club, but my focus is on helping Mumbai win.”

    FC Goa: Battle-Hardened but Weary

    FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez acknowledged that his squad is navigating a unique situation:

    East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    “We are training more and playing more because of the AFC Champions League Two, but the long gaps between matches make it mentally demanding. Still, strong matches are better preparation than training alone.”

    Defender Ronney Wilson Kharbudon, who made his debut against Al Nassr earlier this season, echoed his coach’s sentiments:

    “Playing such matches helps every player improve. Training has been good since we returned from Iraq. We’re focused and want to reach the final.”

    A Fixture Known for Goals

    Whenever FC Goa and Mumbai City FC meet, entertainment is guaranteed — 16 goals in their last five meetings. Mumbai City enjoyed a 10-game unbeaten run against Goa before the Gaurs ended it with a 3–1 win in Mumbai last February.

    Márquez expects another high-quality encounter:

    “Every competition is different. Mumbai City are one of the biggest teams in the ISL, with strong foreigners and national team players. Both teams like attacking, possession football. It should be a good match, but in football, you never know.”

  • Uncertainty Over ISL Worries FC Goa’s Borja Herrera

    Uncertainty Over ISL Worries FC Goa’s Borja Herrera

    Since the start of this season, there has been uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). Although the FSDL has been in charge of the country’s top-division league for the past ten years, they have been largely inactive this season. However, there were hopes that perhaps a new organization might take over the responsibility this time. Accordingly, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had initially set the deadline for submitting bids as November 5. Later, following multiple requests from different organizations, the federation’s tender committee extended the deadline to November 7.

    আইএসএল নিয়ে ধোঁয়াশা, আশঙ্কায় বোরহা হেরেরা

     

    It was expected that either the FSDL or some other organization might submit a bid, but that did not happen. As a result, the future of India’s top-division league currently remains in deep uncertainty. Notably, since last Friday, Mohun Bagan Super Giant announced that they would suspend team training indefinitely. Additionally, several other top-division clubs have become largely inactive in forming their squads, causing widespread concern.

    Amid this, Spanish star Borja Herrera has publicly expressed his concern on social media. Sharing several photos of himself playing in the FC Goa jersey, he wrote, “In the absence of the ISL (it seems the situation is getting worse every day), we are still enjoying the Champions League even after defeats.” His comments have drawn significant attention from fans.

    Recently, FC Goa played the second leg of the ACL 2 against Al Nassr, where they faced a heavy defeat against João Félix’s side. Despite limited resources, their fighting spirit caught the attention of football enthusiasts. Maintaining continuity in international tournaments, the team also aims to target the Super Cup victory under the guidance of Manolo Márquez.

     

  • In Deep Darkness of ISL, Explosive Statement by Souvik on Social Media!

    In Deep Darkness of ISL, Explosive Statement by Souvik on Social Media!

    The future of India’s top football league, the Indian Super League (ISL), remains uncertain. Although Friday was the last day to submit bids, no organization participated in the tender. As a result, the fate of the ISL now hangs on the federation’s decision.

    গভীর অন্ধকারে ISL, সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ায় ‘বিস্ফোরক’ লাল-হলুদ সৌভিক!

     

    According to an earlier announcement, the deadline for bid submission was set for November 5. However, following requests from multiple organizations, the federation’s tender committee extended the deadline to November 7. Many had hoped that FSDA or another organization might submit a bid, but with no activity on Friday either, widespread concern emerged. Consequently, there is now significant uncertainty about whether the Indian Super League will take place this year.

    In this situation, one of the country’s strongest football clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has decided to suspend team training indefinitely. Meanwhile, East Bengal’s president Debashish Dutta and secretary Srijanjoy Basu expressed their frustration over the ISL. The pressing question now is: will the ISL happen, and if so, when? Experts believe that if no organization takes responsibility by the end of November, it will be nearly impossible to start the league before late January or February. The federation’s next decision will determine the fate of India’s biggest football league.

    In the midst of this issue, East Bengal player and Bengali footballer Souvik Chakraborty shared his views on social media. He wrote: “The failure of the ISL bid is not just a business failure. For me, it reflects the deep-rooted problems in Indian football administration. This is not just about a league. When the top tier of Indian football is uncertain, it impacts everyone—from grassroots children to the national level. Behind every club and match are players, coaches, support staff, countless fans, and those who work quietly off the field to keep the game alive. Their dedicated efforts deserve clear direction, accountability, and faith in the system that asks them to give their all.

    What we need now is transparency, planning, and unity. Every participant, from players and professionals to fans and those working inside and outside the field, deserves a framework that values their love for the game and helps move football forward. I truly hope this issue is resolved as soon as possible—not just for the top level, but for the future of Indian football. For the love of Indian football.”

  • Mohun Bagan Suspends Senior Team Training Indefinitely Amid ISL Uncertainty

    Mohun Bagan Suspends Senior Team Training Indefinitely Amid ISL Uncertainty

    The future of India’s top football league, the Indian Super League (ISL), now hangs in uncertainty. On Friday, the final day for submitting bids, no organization including Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) participated in the tender. This has left all the league clubs in a state of uncertainty. Meanwhile, according to authorities, Mohun Bagan SG has indefinitely suspended senior team training.

    আইএসএলের অনিশ্চয়তার মধ্যে অনির্দিষ্টকালের জন্য ‘বনধ’ বাগানের অনুশীলন

     

    According to the club’s management, training has been put on hold until there is clarity regarding the league’s future. The club has informed its players that no preparatory activities will begin under the current circumstances. Although the players are currently on leave, the uncertainty has caused concern among fans.

    The federation’s tender committee had initially set November 5 as the deadline for bid submission. After several requests from organizations, it was extended to November 7. While there was hope that FSDL or another organization might submit a bid at the last moment, no interest was shown by Friday.

    Sources revealed that FSDL had sent nearly 200 questions to the federation before submitting a bid. However, due to disagreements over financial obligations and relegation procedures, no final resolution was reached. In particular, the annual payment condition of ₹37.5 crore and the mandatory “championship and relegation” clause created complications between the two parties.

    Fans have grown increasingly concerned about Mohun Bagan’s decision. Although the players are on leave, the suspension of training has heightened anxiety among the green-and-maroon supporters. Some players, including Jamie MacLaren and Jason Cummings, have gone on personal trips.

    The uncertainty surrounding the ISL and Mohun Bagan’s suspension of training has cast a shadow over Indian football fans. Football enthusiasts are now waiting for clarity from the federation and hope for a definitive decision on the league’s future.

  • Indian Football Under Saturn’s Shadow! The Country’s Top League ISL Faces Uncertainty

    Indian Football Under Saturn’s Shadow! The Country’s Top League ISL Faces Uncertainty

    The future of Indian football’s premier competition, the Indian Super League (ISL), now hangs in the balance. On Friday, the final day for bid submissions, not a single organization — including Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) participated in the tender process. As a result, the fate of the ISL now rests with the upcoming decision of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

    শনির দৃষ্টিতে ভারতীয় ফুটবল! অনিশ্চিয়তার মুখে দেশের শীর্ষ লিগ

     

    Initially, the deadline for bid submission was set for November 5. However, following requests from multiple organizations, the AIFF’s tender committee extended it to November 7. There was hope that FSDL or some other entity might submit a bid at the last moment. But when no bids came in by Friday, the ISL’s future became even more uncertain.

    Sources revealed that before the bid deadline, FSDL had sent nearly 200 questions to the AIFF’s tender committee, which were answered in detail. Still, major disagreements remained between the two sides on key issues.

    The biggest points of contention were financial obligations and the promotion-relegation system. FSDL raised objections to the requirement of paying ₹37.5 crore annually, but the committee made it clear that this payment was mandatory. Additionally, the federation firmly stated that, as per the Supreme Court’s directive, India’s top-tier football league must include both a championship and a relegation system.

    Meanwhile, clubs and vendors — who usually begin preparations well in advance of the ISL season — now find themselves in limbo. Many in the football community believe that FSDL might only be willing to take up responsibility if it can do so on its own terms.

    This uncertainty has raised pressing questions: Will the ISL take place at all? If so, when? Experts feel that if no organization steps forward by late November, it will be nearly impossible to start the league before the end of January or February. The AIFF’s next move will therefore determine the direction — and perhaps the very survival — of India’s biggest football league.

  • Sunil Chhetri Announces End of International Career, Will Continue Playing for Professional Football

    Sunil Chhetri Announces End of International Career, Will Continue Playing for Professional Football

    A remarkable era of Indian football has come to an end. One of the nation’s greatest footballers, Sunil Chhetri, has officially announced his retirement from international football. However, he will continue to play for Bengaluru FC this season and remain active in domestic competitions for a little longer.

    ক্লাব ফুটবল নিয়ে ‘বিরাট’ ঘোষণার পর অবসর নিলেন সুনীল

     

    Chhetri himself stated, “My journey with the national team is over. But my association with Bengaluru FC continues. If I can perform well this season, I may also bring my professional football career to a close.”

    Earlier this year, Chhetri made a surprising return to the Indian national team for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. With India failing to qualify, he has decided that his international career is officially over.

    “I had returned only to help the team qualify. There was no other reason. If qualification hadn’t been possible, I probably wouldn’t have come back. Now that it’s clear, I have informed the coach and he understands,” Chhetri said.

    After Khalid Jamil took over as head coach, Chhetri communicated his decision. His form with Bengaluru FC—14 goals in the Indian Super League (ISL)—was a major factor behind his recall to the national side. However, during his comeback, he managed just one goal in six matches, ending his international career with 95 goals.

    The 42-year-old legend reflected, “I have no regrets. Not qualifying for the Asian Cup is disappointing, but I have always given my best.” He added, “This season, I aim to score 15 goals and then retire. I want my final years in football to be dignified.”

    Sunil Chhetri is not only a national icon but also one of Asia’s brightest football stars. His retirement marks an emotional moment for Indian football fans, who will now cherish the memories of his extraordinary career while enjoying his remaining season with Bengaluru FC.

  • Indian Football Faces Administrative Crisis as Executive Committee Member Steps Down

    Indian Football Faces Administrative Crisis as Executive Committee Member Steps Down

    Indian football administration has been shaken by the resignation of Vijay Bali. He has stepped down from the federation’s executive committee. Not only was he a member of the executive committee, but he also served as the chairman of the federation’s Competitions Committee. Yesterday, he submitted a detailed resignation letter to President Kalyan Chaubey.

    হইচই ভারতীয় ফুটবলে, পদত্যাগ করলেন ফেডারেশনের ১ কর্তা

     

    In his resignation letter, Bali cited that the behavior of Secretary General Satyanarayan was contrary to administrative norms. He alleged that Satyanarayan was making decisions at his own discretion and implementing them without consulting the executive committee.

    According to Bali, recently, players underwent medical (TW) tests through a Bangalore-based agency. However, concerns about this agency had already been raised by some members during last year’s annual general meeting. Despite this, the tests were conducted without any discussion with the executive committee or the Competitions Committee.

    Bali also accused that in an age-based competition, two players were allowed to participate even though they were over the age limit, with approval from Satyanarayan. Such important decisions were taken without coordinating with the Competitions Committee chairman or other executive committee members. Following these incidents, Bali decided to resign.

    Bali’s resignation has already caused a stir in Indian football administration. The sport is currently facing significant internal conflict. The future of the ISL and I-League is also uncertain. While the federation’s committee can continue functioning under the Supreme Court’s directive, whether officials can simultaneously hold positions in both the state associations and the federation remains under judicial review.

    Analysts believe that this resignation will not only create instability within the federation’s internal politics but could also impact Indian football as a whole. Important federation decisions have already been put on hold, creating uncertainty about future plans.

    After resigning, Bali sent a letter to the federation president clearly stating his stance. He mentioned that this step was necessary to uphold his principles and values. In such a situation, the administration now needs to handle matters carefully; otherwise, the future of Indian football could become even more uncertain.

    Vijay Bali’s resignation symbolizes not just the departure of an individual but the broader administrative instability in Indian football. In the coming weeks, the federation’s decisions and responses will be closely watched by football fans across the country.

  • Kerala Blasters Midfielder Mohammed Azhar Eyes Super Cup Glory for AFC Champions League Two Spot

    Kerala Blasters Midfielder Mohammed Azhar Eyes Super Cup Glory for AFC Champions League Two Spot

    Mohammed Azhar, the 22-year-old central midfielder for Kerala Blasters FC, has voiced his team’s determination to win the AIFF Super Cup 2025 to secure a coveted playoff berth in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two (ACL2). In an exclusive interview with a leading sports outlet on October 28, 2025, Azhar stated: “Our goal is to win the Super Cup and claim that AFC spot. That’s what we want to achieve.” The young star, who has been a squad regular under new coach David Catalán, emphasized the tournament’s importance as a redemption arc following a challenging 2024-25 season.

    Kerala Blasters’ Rocky Road: From Stahre’s Exit to Catalán’s Arrival
    Kerala Blasters handed the reins to Swedish coach Mikael Stahre ahead of the 2024-25 ISL season, signing high-profile players like Noah Sadaoui and Kwame Peprah. However, results were dismal: a group-stage exit in the Durand Cup and a mid-table ISL finish (8th place with 26 points from 22 games). Stahre and his support staff were sacked in December 2024 after just 12 ISL matches (3 wins, 7 losses), with interim coaches Tomasz Tchorz and T.G. Purushothaman stabilizing the ship to end the league on a high note.

    Catalán, appointed in early 2025, inherited a squad blending youth (like Azhar and his twin brother Mohammed Aimen) with veterans (Adrián Luna, Hormipam Ruivah). Despite beating East Bengal 2-1 in the Kaling Super Cup opener, Kerala suffered a humiliating 0-4 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals, exiting via the reserves’ bench. Azhar, who featured in 16 ISL games last season (2 goals, 1 assist), reflected: “Last season taught us resilience. Now, with Catalán’s tactics, we’re sharper.”

    Super Cup Ambitions: Path to AFC Glory
    The Super Cup, starting October 30, 2025, in Goa, offers Kerala a direct ACL2 playoff ticket to the winners—crucial for continental exposure and potential revenue. Grouped with Rajasthan United (Oct 30), Mumbai City FC (Nov 3), and Punjab FC (Nov 6), Catalán’s side eyes a top-two finish. Azhar, a Kerala Blasters academy product since 2018, debuted in the 2023 Durand Cup and scored his senior goal in a 7-0 rout of CISF Protectors. Part of the 27-man squad announced on October 25, he added: “Winning here isn’t just about silverware—it’s our gateway to Asia. The fans deserve that dream.”

    Kerala’s revamped roster includes:
    Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Kamaljit Singh, Alsabith S.T., Muhammad Jaseen M.
    Defenders: Hormipam Ruivah, Bikash Yumnam, Milos Drinčić, Dušan Lagator, Naocha Singh, Aibanbha Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Sandeep Singh.

    Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Adrián Luna, Mohammed Azhar, Yoihenba Meitei, Ebindas Yesudasan, Korou Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Renthlei Lalthanmawia.

    Forwards: Kwame Peprah, Jesús Jiménez, Noah Sadaoui, Sreekuttan M.S., Ishan Pandita.
    With ACL2 playoffs offering group-stage entry against Asian powerhouses, Azhar’s vision aligns with the club’s “Manjappada” ethos. Matches stream live on FanCode and Star Sports. Can Kerala conquer the Super Cup and unlock Asia? Azhar believes so—watch this space.