Durand Cup 2025: ISL Crisis Sparks Fresh Lineup, 8 New Teams Step Up—Full List and Date Revealed
The Durand Cup 2025, Asia’s oldest football tournament, will continue as scheduled, even with the ongoing impasse between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA).
Some ISL clubs have withdrawn from the tournament because of late launch and calendar overlap, but the Indian Army is following through with the tournament and have invited new teams to ensure the tournament can remain legitimate for its 134th edition.
Indian Army Revives Legacy of 137-Year-Old Tournament
A source close to the tournament shared:
“The Durand Cup legacy is 137 years old. The Indian Army is committed to providing a top-class platform—with prize money, live telecast, and a real knockout format—something the Super Cup lacks.”
Their commitment ensures that Durand Cup 2025 stays relevant, exciting, and competitive.
Prize Pool Likely to Increase in 2025 Edition
In 2024, the prize distribution was:
- 🏆 Champions: ₹60 lakh
- 🥈 Runners-up: ₹30 lakh
- 🥇 Individual awards: ₹10 lakh
Organisers are expected to increase the 2025 prize pool, offering more incentive to both legacy and new clubs.
Also Read: Indian Football Calendar 2025-26 | Federation Cup Set for a Comeback
Which ISL Clubs Have Withdrawn?
Seven major ISL clubs have opted out of Durand Cup 2025:
- FC Goa
- Bengaluru FC
- Chennaiyin FC
- Odisha FC
- Kerala Blasters
- Mumbai City
- Hyderabad FC / FC Delhi
ISL Clubs Still Participating
Despite the disruption, some top ISL clubs will still compete:
- East Bengal
- Jamshedpur FC
- NorthEast United
- Mohun Bagan
- Punjab FC
- Mohammedan SC
New Clubs Joining Durand Cup 2025
To fill the slots, the Indian Army extended invitations to upcoming clubs and institutional teams, many of which are debuting.
New Entrants Include:
- Ladakh FC – First club from the Ladakh region
- Real Kashmir FC
- Namdhari SC
- South United FC
- Diamond Harbour FC
- ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police)
- Indonesia Army
Additional club announcements are expected soon.
Institutional & Legacy Teams Retained
The following forces and regional clubs are also part of the tournament:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
- Shillong Lajong
- Bodoland FC
These teams ensure that regional and institutional representation remains strong.
Grand Trophy Launch at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Durand Cup trophies were unveiled and presented to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 4. The draw for the group stage and the complete schedule will be released shortly.
With major ISL names stepping aside, Durand Cup 2025 becomes a golden opportunity for rising clubs and institutions to shine on a national stage. Backed by the Indian Army and tradition, it remains a cornerstone of Indian football.
When will the Durand Cup 2025 start?
The Durand Cup 2025 is scheduled to begin on July 23, 2025, as confirmed by the Indian Army, despite uncertainties around ISL club participation.
Which ISL clubs have withdrawn from Durand Cup 2025?
Seven ISL clubs have opted out:
FC Goa
Bengaluru FC
Chennaiyin FC
Odisha FC
Kerala Blasters
Mumbai City FC
Hyderabad FC / FC Delhi
Why did some ISL clubs pull out of the Durand Cup?
Clubs cited delayed pre-season, calendar clashes, and the ongoing conflict between AIFF and FSDL over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) as reasons for withdrawal.
Which ISL clubs are still playing in the Durand Cup 2025?
Despite the rift, these clubs will participate:
East Bengal
Mohun Bagan
NorthEast United
Jamshedpur FC
Punjab FC
Mohammedan SC
What is the prize money for Durand Cup 2025?
While the 2025 prize pool is expected to increase, last year’s figures were:
Winners: ₹60 lakh
Runners-up: ₹30 lakh
Individual Awards: ₹10 lakh
Which new clubs are debuting in Durand Cup 2025?
New teams entering include:
Ladakh FC (first from Ladakh)
Real Kashmir FC
Namdhari SC
South United FC
Diamond Harbour FC
Indonesia Army
ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police)
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