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The Indian Super League (ISL) is likely to announce new rules regarding the salary cap and the mandatory signing of an Asian player, according to the Times of India journalist Marcus Mergulhao. It is expected that the league may offer clubs more flexibility on these matters.
In 2021, the ISL announced that each team could field only four foreign players on the pitch to increase opportunities for Indian players. This meant that the clubs could only sign a maximum of six foreign players per season, while also requiring the signing of at least one Asian player, in accordance with AFC guidelines (5+1 rule).
Last season, the AFC changed its rules to permit clubs to start six foreign players in continental competitions. Starting next season, clubs will even be allowed to field up to 11 overseas players. Consequently, the ISL is considering scrapping the AFC quota, and reports suggest that clubs will no longer be required to sign an Asian player to meet the quota.
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"The Asian player change is fantastic and will make a lot of difference. Asian players cost a lot and, for the quality they provide on the field, most do not offer good value for money,” a senior club official told the Times of India, as per reports.
Additionally, the salary cap, previously set at ₹16.5 crores, is now set to increase to ₹18 crores starting next season. There was also a rule allowing only one marquee player to be paid above the salary cap, but from next season, this will increase to two players, who can be either domestic or overseas.
All these changes are certainly expected to improve the ISL’s quality and provide leeway for clubs to spend, but it remains to be seen whether they will have a positive or negative impact on the development of Indian players.
Which ISL clubs will compete in the AFC competitions next season?
The 10th edition of the Indian Super League concluded a few days ago, with Mumbai City FC defeating Mohun Bagan SG to win the ISL Cup. However, they won’t be participating in AFC competitions next season, as only the ISL Shield winners and the Super Cup winners are granted spots in Asia’s elite competitions.
The AFC has also decided to introduce a new tournament, the AFC Challenge League, which will be the third tier. The AFC Champions League will be renamed as the AFC Champions League Elite, and the AFC Cup will be renamed as the AFC Champions League 2. Indian clubs can only compete in the AFC Champions League 2 for the foreseeable future due to their lower coefficient.
Mohun Bagan SG, crowned champions of India for the first time, will once again play in Asia, securing a direct spot in the group stages of the AFC Champions League 2. The Super Cup winners, incidentally Mohun Bagan’s old foes East Bengal, will also have a chance to participate in the continental competition if they win the preliminary rounds in August.
