The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) is India’s unrivalled football championship which kicked off on 12 October 2014. The inaugural winners of the league were Atlético de Kolkata, while Chennaiyin FC were the winners of the second season. The third edition of the Hero ISL is set to begin from October 1, 2016 with the final taking place on December 18, 2016.
The league is co-promoted by IMG-Reliance (a joint venture between IMG and Reliance Industries), Star India and supported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). India’s leading industrialists and celebrities from sports as well as the Indian film industry have heavily invested in the league’s eight franchises based in the following cities: Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.
All the 8 teams have made considerable amount changes to strengthen their existing squads. Right now the teams are on pre-season tours to various countries. A total of 61 matches will be played in 79 days in a home and away league format. The top 4 teams from the league stage will qualify for the semifinals. The first leg of the semi-finals will be held on December 10 and 11 and the second leg on December 13 and 14. The final is on December 18.
The league is committed to investing in stadium refurbishment in the eight identified venues and also to a strong grassroots development programme that will create a platform to groom football talent in the country. With a mission to revolutionise the sport, the Hero ISL is positioned as a high quality and dynamic league that will elevate Indian football to an international level.
Chennaiyin FC is an Indian Super League football franchise based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu which began to play in October 2014 during the inaugural season of the Indian Super League. They are the reigning champions of the Indian Super League, after winning the title in 2015. Home of Golden Boot winners.
NorthEast United Football Club is an Indian Super League football franchise based in Guwahati, Assam.The club claims to represent the 8 states of India known as North East India: Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Mizoram. The team is owned and operated by Bollywood actor John Abraham.The club is currently managed by Nelo Vingada.
