CHENNAI: India’s top-tier football competition, the Indian Super League (ISL), is set for a delayed start to its 2026 season on February 14 owing to a commercial rights agreement delay between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). With the revised timeline, ISL clubs are now racing against time to finalise logistical arrangements, including securing venues, so that the season can proceed smoothly when it finally begins.
In this context, two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC have approached the AIFF to request that it engage with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to allow the club to use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on a rent-free basis.
According to a letter issued by the AIFF, six ISL matches are expected to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium between February and May 2026.
“In view of the current circumstances facing Indian football, and at a time when the collective support of all stakeholders is vital for the continued growth and stability of the sport, the All India Football Federation respectfully requests the support of the SDAT in extending the use of the stadium for the conduct of these six ISL matches on a rent-free basis,” the letter stated.
An SDAT official told DT Next, on condition of anonymity, that the sports body is yet to receive the request from the AIFF formally and expects to be approached on Monday. Once the communication is received, SDAT will hold discussions with the AIFF and Chennaiyin FC before taking a decision.
When asked about the A.R. Rahman Live 2026 concert scheduled at the venue on February 14, the same day the ISL is set to begin, the official said the event had been booked at a time when the future of the ISL was uncertain and that the AIFF and Chennaiyin FC would need to plan its matches accordingly to avoid a clash with the concert.
The official added that the club has informed SDAT unofficially, but formal proposals are still awaited.
In 2023, the Tamil Nadu government sanctioned Rs 25 crore for the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennaiyin’s home venue. The club also collaborated with the state government thereafter to revamp the stadium’s B Ground, which now serves as its official training facility.