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ISL Considers VAR Introduction As 2026-27 Season Kicks Off With Fresh Hopes
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News18•09-10-2026, 20:45
ISL Considers VAR Introduction As 2026-27 Season Kicks Off With Fresh Hopes
- •The Indian Super League 2026-27 season kicks off on Saturday with Bengaluru FC facing SC Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
- •Stakeholders are in discussions to introduce the Video Assistant Referee system, contingent on growing commercial revenues and wider interest.
- •The league has secured a Rs 25 crore sponsorship deal with MG and a digital streaming partnership with YouTube for the new era.
- •Clubs gain a greater say in administration after paying a participation fee to the All India Football Federation following Reliance's exit.
- •Bengaluru FC enters the new season retaining key veterans like Sunil Chhetri alongside new foreign recruits.
Key Questions Answered
Discussions have been held on introducing a Video Assistant Referee system to improve refereeing standards, but implementing it hinges on growing commercial revenues and wider public interest.
The 13th ISL season returns to a traditional home-and-away format followed by playoffs, where the team finishing at the top of the league standings wins the ISL Shield and the top six clubs compete for the ISL Cup.
The ISL 2026-27 season opens on Saturday with Bengaluru FC playing against SC Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
