Football

The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Club Licensing Committee has denied Premier 1 licenses to four Indian Super League (ISL) clubs: Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, and Hyderabad FC. This decision bars them from participating in AFC Club competitions and national competitions for the 2024-25 season.The clubs failed to meet multiple 'A' criteria, which are essential for obtaining the license. These criteria cover aspects such as sporting, infrastructure, personnel and administrative, legal, and financial requirements. The committee, chaired by Girija Shanker Mungali, met via video conferencing on May 15 to review the applications.Punjab FC was the only club to fulfill the AIFF's criteria and was granted a Premier 1 club license for the 2024-25 season. Defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC, East Bengal, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohammedan Sporting received licenses with sanctions.The Indian Club Licensing system is crucial for maintaining the quality and professionalism of football clubs in India. It ensures that clubs meet certain standards before participating in AFC and national competitions. The licenses are categorized into 'ICLS Premier 1' for ISL clubs and 'ICLS Premier 2' for I-League clubs.The clubs that have been denied licenses have the option to seek an exemption to participate in national competitions by May 22. However, they will need to demonstrate that they have taken steps to address the deficiencies identified by the committee.The AIFF's decision highlights the importance of clubs adhering to the licensing criteria. It aims to create a competitive and sustainable football ecosystem in India, where clubs operate with professionalism and meet the highest standards.

Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The triumph marked Mumbai City's second ISL title, having previously won in 2020-21.The first half saw Mohun Bagan take the lead through Jason Cummings' goal just before the break. However, Mumbai City rallied in the second half, with Pereyra Diaz equalizing in the 53rd minute. The momentum shifted in Mumbai City's favor, and Bipin Singh gave them the lead in the 81st minute. Jakub Vojtus sealed the victory for Mumbai City in injury time.Mumbai City dominated possession throughout the match, enjoying 66% of the ball. They created several chances in the first half but failed to capitalize. After the break, they showed greater incisiveness and determination, breaking down Mohun Bagan's defense.Mohun Bagan, the home favorite, started the match brightly but faded after the equalizer. They struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unable to match Mumbai City's intensity in the second half.The victory was a testament to Mumbai City's resilience and tactical adaptability. They overcame a slow start and showed their class in the second half. The title triumph is a significant achievement for the club, which has established itself as a force in Indian football.

Mumbai City FC secured their place in the Indian Super League (ISL) final with a dominant 2-0 victory over FC Goa in the semi-final second leg at the Mumbai Football Arena. The aggregate score of 5-2 sealed their triumph.After a thrilling 3-2 first-leg win at the Fatorda Stadium, Mumbai City FC maintained their momentum with goals from Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte. The victory marks their second consecutive appearance in the ISL final, having won the title in 2021.Mumbai City FC controlled the tempo of the match from the outset, despite a spirited start from FC Goa. Chhangte, who emerged as the star of the night, created the first significant chance but was denied by a timely block. The hosts continued to press, hitting the woodwork twice through Tiri and Chhangte.The second half saw Mumbai City FC maintain their dominance, and their efforts were rewarded in the 69th minute. Diaz pounced on a corner kick and tapped the ball into the net from close range. Chhangte sealed the victory in the 83rd minute with a brilliant solo run from his own half.Mumbai City FC will now face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final on Saturday. The Kolkata-based club advanced to the final after edging out Odisha FC 3-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant's remarkable comeback in the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final second leg against Odisha FC has propelled them into another final. The 2-0 victory at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday was a testament to the team's resilience and the tactical brilliance of coach Antonio Lopez Habas.Trailing 1-2 from the first leg in Bhubaneswar, Mohun Bagan needed a strong start, and they got it through Jason Cummings' goal in the 22nd minute. Dimitri Petratos' deflected shot found its way to Cummings, who slotted it home.Petratos was a constant threat throughout the match, driving the team forward from midfield and creating chances. His crossfield pass to Thapa set up the move that led to Cummings' goal.Mohun Bagan's defense also played a crucial role in the victory. Vishal Kaith made several key saves, while Hector Yuste cleared a goal-bound shot off the line. Dippendu Biswas and Manvir Singh made crucial interceptions, and the entire team defended with determination.The second goal came in the dying minutes of the match, with Manvir Singh's tireless effort paying off. His cut-back found Amrinder Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad tapped in the rebound.Habas has now reached his third ISL final, having won the title with ATK Mohun Bagan in 2019-20. He will be aiming to become the second coach after Sergio Lobera to win the ISL twice.Mohun Bagan will face the winner of the Mumbai City FC-FC Goa semi-final in the final on Saturday. They will be confident of their chances, having already beaten Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the league shield match.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mumbai City FC stunned FC Goa with a remarkable 3-2 victory in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final on Wednesday. The match, played in the humid conditions of Goa, saw Mumbai City trailing for most of the game before unleashing a late onslaught in injury time.FC Goa took the lead in the 16th minute through Boris Thangjam, who capitalized on a defensive error by Mehtab Singh. The home team continued to dominate possession and stifled Mumbai City's attacking options. In the 56th minute, Brandon Fernandes extended Goa's lead with a stunning long-range strike, seemingly putting the game beyond Mumbai City's reach.However, Mumbai City refused to give up. In the 90th minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte reduced the deficit with a well-timed run and finish, assisted by Jayesh Rane. Just a minute later, Vikram Partap Singh equalized for Mumbai City, taking advantage of a spilled save by FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem.As the game entered stoppage time, Mumbai City continued to press for the winner. In the sixth minute of added time, Chhangte completed his brace, slipping between two FC Goa defenders to score the decisive goal, again assisted by Rane.The victory was a testament to Mumbai City's resilience and the impact of substitute Rane, who made a significant contribution after coming on in the 64th minute. FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez expressed his disappointment with his team's late collapse, stating, "This is why we didn't win the league. If you don't show character, you don't win."Chhangte's performance was particularly impressive, as he now has 15 goal contributions (9 goals and 6 assists) this season, the most among Indians and sixth overall. His late goals have proven crucial for Mumbai City in their quest for the ISL title.

Roy Krishna, the Fijian striker, has rediscovered his scoring touch in the Indian Super League (ISL) after joining Odisha FC. Despite being 37 years old, Krishna has netted 13 goals this season, his highest tally since winning the ISL in 2019-20.Krishna's resurgence is attributed to Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera, who has a knack for revitalizing players. The striker's ISL career, which began under Antonio Lopez Habas, has received a second lease on life.In the semi-final first-leg against ATK Mohun Bagan, Krishna scored the winning goal to give Odisha FC a 2-1 victory. The goal came after Manvir Singh's early strike was canceled out by Carlos Delgado.Odisha FC's win was their second over league shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2024, after Juan Ferrando was replaced by Habas. The team has remained unbeaten at home this season after 13 games.Krishna's goal was a testament to his determination and skill. He outmuscled Mohun Bagan central defender Hector Yuste to score with the outside of his boot. Krishna also drew a foul from Vishal Kaith in the 14th minute, which would have resulted in a penalty if he had not been marginally offside.Mohun Bagan's Armando Sadiku was sent off in the 67th minute for a reckless challenge on Ahmed Jahouh. Delgado's handball in the 73rd minute restored parity in personnel. However, Odisha FC held on to their lead and will take a 2-1 advantage into the second leg.Mohun Bagan, who recently won the Indian championship, now face a battle for survival in the second leg on Sunday.

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG, two fierce rivals on the field, will face off in the first leg of the ISL-10 semifinal at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams have a history of intense battles and are determined to secure a spot in the final.In the league stage, the two teams played to two draws, highlighting their evenly matched abilities. However, Mohun Bagan SG enters the semifinal as the League Shield champion, having dethroned Mumbai City FC. Odisha FC, on the other hand, earned its semifinal berth with a thrilling comeback win over Kerala Blasters in the knockout match.Odisha FC will be eager to make the most of its home advantage and secure a victory that would give it an edge heading into the second leg at Salt Lake Stadium on April 28. The team will be looking to redeem itself after a disappointing end to the league title race and claim its maiden ISL crown.Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera recalled his team's impressive performance in the AFC Cup league stage, where it defeated Mohun Bagan 5-2 at their home ground. That victory was a testament to Lobera's side's resilience, especially after suffering a 4-0 defeat in the first meeting at Kalinga Stadium.With the region experiencing extreme heat, weather conditions will play a significant role in the outcome of the match. The team that shows better endurance and adaptability will have a clear advantage.

FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC Clash in High-Stakes ISL Knockout BattleWith a direct qualification to the semifinals hanging in the balance, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC are set to face off in a crucial knockout match of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.FC Goa enters the fixture in impressive form, having secured victories in four out of their last five matches. Their commanding performance against Chennaiyin FC in their recent encounter, where they emerged triumphant with a 4-1 scoreline, underscores their current form and confidence.In contrast, Chennaiyin FC, despite experiencing a setback in their previous fixture against FC Goa, have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. With wins in three of their last five matches, they are poised to bounce back and pose a formidable challenge to their opponents.FC Goa has a strong record against Chennaiyin FC, having won five of their last six matches against them and keeping a clean sheet in four of those victories. The Gaurs have found the back of the net in each of their previous 14 matches against the Marina Machans, and only against Kerala Blasters FC do they have a longer active scoring streak (19 games).FC Goa has now won four matches in a row, and their last longer run like this was a stretch of five matches from January-February 2020. Their 52 strikes against Chennaiyin FC are the most goals that a team has netted against any opposition in the ISL. They put up an absolute show in the last match, and one can expect similar fireworks, or at least intent to pull off the same in the forthcoming fixture as well.Prior to their defeat in the last game against the Gaurs, Chennaiyin FC had scored at least two goals or more in each of their three matches in the ISL.Chennaiyin FC has often brought their A-game to the table in the knockouts, having won six playoffs matches in the tournament, which is the joint-highest amongst all teams along with Bengaluru FC (6).

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set for a thrilling climax as Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC prepare to battle for the League Winner's Shield in the final fixture of the round-robin stage. The match will be a clash of titans, with both teams vying for the prestigious trophy that symbolizes supremacy in Indian football.Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata giants, will be banking on their home support and the desire to erase their unfavorable record against Mumbai City. The Mariners have never defeated the Islanders in eight previous ISL meetings, a psychological hurdle they must overcome to claim their maiden League Shield.Mumbai City, on the other hand, holds a commanding lead with 47 points from 21 matches. A draw will suffice for the Islanders to secure the crown, while Mohun Bagan needs a victory to overtake their rivals and reverse the heartbreak of the 2020-21 season, when Mumbai City emerged victorious in the Shield race.The match promises to be a tactical battle between two of the most formidable teams in the league. Mohun Bagan's midfield marshal, Joni Kauko, emphasized the importance of patience and composure, stating, "We need to be patient and calm and play our game."The Mariners will rely on the attacking prowess of Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous, while Mumbai City will look to their star striker, Igor Angulo, and the creativity of Ahmed Jahouh.The match will be a fitting end to a captivating ISL season that has witnessed some of the most exciting football in recent memory. The League Winner's Shield will be a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the players and coaches involved.