The upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL), which was earlier scheduled to kick off on September 4, is set to be postponed by more than a month and will start only after October 6. The ISL will start only after the FIFA international match window which runs from September 21 to October 6. The top tier league will also go ahead with 13 teams after the Indian Football League 2025-26 champions Diamond Harbour FC failed to pay the participation fee second instalment amounting to Rs 55 lakh by Wednesday deadline. Diamond Harbour were earlier promoted to the ISL by virtue of winning the Indian Football League 2025-26.

“The ISL is likely to start only in October after the FIFA window,” a top official of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) told PTI.

“We are going with 13 teams in the ISL,” the official added.

All the 14 clubs were to pay the second instalment of the total Rs 1.1 crore participation fee to the AIFF by August 14 deadline, which was extended for Diamond Harbour till Wednesday.

Churchill Brothers paid, on August 14, the full Rs 1.1 crore fee to feature in the upcoming ISL after Jamshedpur Football Club sold its entire stake to the Goan side.

Jamshedpur FC had pulled out of the ISL and disbanded the first team on July 31, hours after the deadline for paying the first installment of participation fee amounting to Rs 55 lakh.

AIFF condemns ‘unverified claims’ concerning its finances and use of funds 

Meanwhile, the AIFF condemned what it called “incorrect claims that its decision not to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has resulted in a predetermined financial penalty or fine”.

“The AIFF is also concerned about the public circulation of unverified figures and claims regarding its finances without any supporting basis or documentation,” it said in a release.

Earlier last week, India withdrew from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, opting to prioritise their high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil.

It said the decision to host five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata “was taken through the appropriate institutional processes, recognising the exceptional opportunity it presents for Indian football, the national team and millions of fans”.

“The match will give a morale boost to the Indian national team while driving fans towards Indian football, the impact of which is unquantifiable. The match is a mutually agreed international sporting opportunity between two football federations and should not be portrayed as a one-sided arrangement,” it added.

“The AIFF respects the democratic right to express opinions on Indian football. However, statements concerning the Federation’s finances and use of funds must be based on facts and verifiable information.” The national federation said the circulation of “factually incorrect statements has the potential to adversely affect India’s reputation and standing nationally and internationally”.

“We believe those who have made these claims have the best interests of Indian football in mind and may be misinformed.

“The AIFF, through this statement, seeks to make all aware of the facts. Should the concerned person(s) continue to disseminate incorrect claims, the AIFF will pursue appropriate legal remedies against those who continue to knowingly publish and/or circulate false and defamatory statements.” 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Marcus Rashford is expected to stay at Manchester United beyond the summer after spending last season on loan at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has sided with Jamie Carragher after Gary Neville continued pressing him about the Manchester United forward following his return to the club. Neville raised the topic on a new Stick to Football episode – a line of questioning that appeared to irritate the former Liverpool captain.

Neville asked: “Marcus Rashford, what do we think? Last question,” to which Carragher fired back: “Oh ***********. Can we do a podcast without mentioning Rashford? Stop it! Oh my god. It’s like the Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Rashford – there was like a little part of the podcast – the Trent part or the Rashford part.”

Neville then moved on and asked: “How is Trent?” prompting Carragher’s exasperated response: “Oh my God!”

Neville tried to clarify, saying: “No, but he’s come back to United,” but Carragher wasn’t having any of it, concluding: “So what? Oh my God. He’s just a good player for Man United!”

Rashford has since reposted the clip on X, where he appeared to agree with Carragher’s remarks. “Thanks, Jamie,” he wrote. “It would be great to be able to get my head down and play football without my name being mentioned every day,” followed by a crying emoji.

With the Premier League season just days away, it had seemed likely that Rashford would not be at the club, given how strongly it appeared his future was elsewhere. Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan, had the option to sign him permanently for £26million but chose not to activate it, instead moving for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

However, his return to Manchester has been a positive one. He pulled on a United shirt for the first time in nearly two years when he came off the bench in their recent friendly defeat to AC Milan. The 28‑year‑old now appears to be relishing life back at Old Trafford, acting as a mentor to several of the club’s younger players.

Although the summer transfer window does not close until September 1, the likelihood of Rashford staying at the club is understood to be increasing by the day. Michael Carrick has already held lengthy talks with the England international, who could play a significant role for the club this season.

“He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,” Carrick said. “I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back.

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“He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.”

But until the summer window closes, speculation over his future will continue, even though the attacker’s recent comments suggest he is focused on the season ahead and simply keen to play football. He has not featured in a Premier League match since December 2024.

Last season, Rashford’s standout performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the recent World Cup. During his spell at the Camp Nou, he produced 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances and his contributions helped deliver La Liga – the first league title of his career.

Carrick’s side will begin their campaign away at newly‑promoted Hull City on Saturday, August 22 (12:30pm BST).

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It’s been six days since the Seahawks reached an agreement to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold. They’ve yet to sign him.

Now that the Seahawks have signed cornerback Trevon Diggs, it’s more than fair to wonder whether the Seahawks will ever be consummating the Arnold deal.

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As one league source explains it — and as comments from G.M. John Schneider in the second episode of Hard Knocks made clear — the Seahawks believed when they reached an agreement with Arnold that he’d be available to participate in practices and games in the preseason. The Seahawks have since learned that he won’t be available to do anything if/when he’s signed, since he’ll immediately be placed on paid leave.

So where’s the benefit in signing him? Yes, they’d secure dibs on his rights if/when he’s cleared to play. But they could always sign him later, once the eight felony charges are resolved and Arnold can return to the league.

At this point, they’re kicking the can. It’s possible that they’re simply waiting until the preseason ends, when they’d cut a player and put Arnold on the 90-man roster until he’s sent to the Commissioner Exempt list. Even then, Arnold wouldn’t be available to play until he’s removed from paid leave, and until he serves any suspension that could be added to the time he misses with pay.

It’s unknown when the criminal case will end. His next court appearance is set for October 5, and there’s no trial date. It’s hard to imagine the case ending before the conclusion of the 2026 season, if it goes to a full-blown trial.

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A plea deal is always possible. But the league would then figure out Arnold’s punishment, if any, after the plea is finalized. Is it possible he’d be available late in the season? Sure. Again, they could sign him then, without paying him until that day arrives.

Of course, Arnold could choose if/when he’s cleared to return to sign with another team. That’s the biggest risk the Seahawks would take if they don’t sign him. With the date on which the Seahawks would realize a reward for having Arnold on the team currently murky at best, they may decide to save the money they’d spend on paying Arnold to not play and wait to sign him once he’s able to practice and play.

Again, Schneider called the allegations as outlined by The Athletic “very shocking.” No amount of references from Nick Saban or former teammates will change the possibility that prosecutors will prove Arnold’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If that happens, Arnold may not be available to play for the Seahawks or anyone else. Ever.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had an underwhelming outing against the New England Patriots’ defense during a joint practice session on Wednesday. Hurts and the rest of the Eagles’ offense came under scrutiny as they sought to find a rhythm under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

However, Hurts’ poor performance, conceding three interceptions and a pick-six, became the highlight of the afternoon, as fans poured onto social media to share their reactions.

Matvei Michkov Enjoyer wrote:

“Worst QB in the league.”

Kittyoberoi remarked:

“Hurts showing signs of brilliance.”

Kirkland commented:

“And let me guess, of the 19 completions, more than half of them came 10yds from or behind the line of scrimmage?”

Rust wrote:

“I can’t wait til we’re smoking everybody in the regular season. Hurts has taken better care of the ball than your favorite QB over the last few years, guaranteed. It’s the offseason. He will be sharp and ready to go when the time comes. Always is.”

DG Bandz posted:

“I don’t see this team winning more then 6 games.”

Snakequon commented:

“Dart clears this bum. Glorified running back and without the tush push is nothing.”

How Jalen Hurts’ performance affected the Eagles’ offense

The Eagles’ offense struggled to make an impact against New England’s starting defense. Hurts’ passing was greatly limited during the two-minute drill by the Patriots’ well-executed blitzes.

The Eagles’ drive was effectively disrupted by a Kevin Byard pass breakup and a sack by defensive end Christian Barmore to end the practice.

Meanwhile, former Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown dropped a dominant performance against his former teammates. He connected with quarterback Drake Maye for a team-high seven catches.

Brown added a layer of intrigue to the reunion during his interview after the practice. He admitted that he hasn’t spoken to Jalen Hurts since he got traded.

Hurts and the Eagles have another opportunity to redeem themselves with a second joint session scheduled for Thursday. It is a window for the team to clean up its sloppy execution and find its footing before Saturday’s preseason matchup.

The stakes are high for Jalen Hurts entering the new season. Tasked with leading an offense that’s essentially in a transition period, the 28-year-old has much to prove.

A major talking point will be his ability to perform without Brown in front of him.