AIFF adjusts Indian Women’s League 2025–26 format to balance international commitments, player welfare, and league competitiveness.
Kolkata, November 3: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that the upcoming Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2025–26 season will be conducted in two phases, following a meeting with all eight participating clubs on October 30, 2025, the past Thursday.
Responding to requests from the clubs, the federation decided that Phase 1 of the IWL will take place from December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026, while Phase 2 will be held from April 20 to May 10, 2026, as the schedule has been adjusted to accommodate the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, leading to the shift of matches to April.
The adjustment aims to accommodate the tight schedules of players who are engaged in international duties and national team commitments. Several key players are currently representing India in preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cups, both at the senior and U20 levels.
According to AIFF’s statement, the Senior Women’s National Team has spent 13 days in camp, playing three friendly matches since qualifying for the continental tournament. Meanwhile, the U20 Women’s National Team has held a 12-day camp, during which they have featured in two friendly matches.
The federation emphasized that the phased schedule would ensure adequate rest and preparation time for players while maintaining the competitive balance of the league.
The decision also reflects AIFF’s ongoing efforts to synchronize domestic competitions with international calendars and enhance the development pathway for women’s football in India.
Cautious Concerns Ahead:
However, as the second phase is scheduled between April and May, it is a period that naturally brings tough challenges for players. The extreme summer heat during this time often leads to quicker dehydration and loss of body fluids, which can increase the risk of fatigue and injuries. Maintaining proper hydration, ensuring timely player rotation, and close medical supervision will be vital to protect health and performance throughout the competition.
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