Anticipated Changes in ISL Player Selection for the 2024/25 Season and Relegation to start soon?

 

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to undergo significant changes in its player selection and squad formation rules from the 2024/25 season. These changes are expected to have a profound impact on the dynamics of the league and the strategies employed by the teams. Here’s a closer look at these anticipated changes.

Scrapping the Mandatory Asian Signing Quota

The ISL is set to scrap the previously mandatory Asian signing quota. This quota required each team to have at least one player from an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) country. The decision to scrap this quota is based on the perception that it did not provide value for money and the new competition squad rules put in place by the AFC.

Increase in Seasonal Salary Cap

In a move that is likely to increase the competitiveness of the teams, the ISL is set to increase the seasonal salary cap for each team from Rs 16.5 crores to Rs 18 crores. This increase in the salary cap will allow teams to invest more in their squads, potentially attracting higher quality players to the league1.

Two Players Outside the Salary Cap

In a significant change to the squad formation rules, each club will be allowed to have two players (of marquee status), either domestic or international, outside of the salary cap. This rule will enable clubs to invest in high-profile players without being constrained by the salary cap, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the league.

Relegation to start from 2026-27 season?

There is lot of speculation going on in the market regarding the relegation system being introduced in ISL very soon, but as per reports relegation will take 2 more seasons, the FSDL x AIFF collaboration will end next year and after that we will have a proper clarity on what is going to happen in the future, until then everything surrounding relegation is speculative!

These anticipated changes in the ISL player selection and squad formation rules represent and relegation will have a significant shift in the league’s approach to competition and player recruitment. By scrapping the mandatory Asian signing quota, increasing the seasonal salary cap, and allowing two players outside the salary cap, the ISL is poised to become more competitive and attractive to high-quality players. As these changes come into effect, it will be interesting to see how they impact the dynamics of the league and the strategies employed by the teams.

Keywords: ISL, Indian Super League, Player Selection, Squad Formation, Asian Signing Quota, Salary Cap, Marquee Status, Domestic Players, International Players, Football, Indian Football, IFTWC.