The Indian Super Cup, officially known as the AIFF Super Cup, is an annual knockout football tournament organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Launched in 2018 as a successor to the Federation Cup, the Super Cup brings together the top clubs from India’s two premier football leagues — the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League.

Tournament Format

The Super Cup follows a single-elimination (knockout) format. In the 2025 edition, the tournament featured 16 teams: 13 from the Indian Super League and 3 from the I-League.

The ISL teams were seeded based on their final standings in the 2024–25 ISL season. The three I-League sides — Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC — were drawn against the top three ISL clubs in the Round of 16.

However, Churchill Brothers withdrew from the competition due to an I-League title controversy, granting Mohun Bagan a direct entry into the quarterfinals.

All matches in the 2025 edition are being held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with the tournament kicking off on April 21, 2025.

Participating Teams

Indian Super League (ISL) Teams:

• Mohun Bagan

• FC Goa

• Bengaluru FC

• Kerala Blasters

• East Bengal

• Odisha FC

• Punjab FC

• Mumbai City FC

• Chennaiyin FC

• NorthEast United FC

• Jamshedpur FC

• Hyderabad FC

• Kerala Blasters FC

I-League Teams:

• Gokulam Kerala FC

• Inter Kashi FC

• Churchill Brothers FC Goa (withdrew)

Rewards and Significance

The winner of the Indian Super Cup earns a spot in the AFC Champions League Two qualifiers, giving clubs an opportunity to represent India on the continental stage.

For example, East Bengal, who won the 2024 edition, qualified for the AFC Champions League Two preliminary round.

Apart from continental qualification, the tournament offers substantial prize money:

• Champions: ₹25 lakh

• Runners-up: ₹15 lakh

• Individual Awards: ₹2.5 lakh each for Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Top Scorer, and Player of the Tournament

Final Thoughts

The Indian Super Cup has become a key event in Indian football, bridging the gap between the ISL and I-League. It not only adds excitement to the domestic calendar but also provides a platform for clubs to gain exposure and compete for continental glory.

Whether you’re a seasoned football follower or a new fan, the Super Cup is a tournament worth watching — where rivalries ignite, underdogs rise, and every match counts.

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