Indian Super League: Four new rules introduced for 2024/25 season
The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to kick off its 2024/25 season with four new regulations. These changes were unveiled at the ISL Media Day in Kolkata, marking a significant shift as the premier Indian football tournament enters its second decade. The revised rules include provisions for a concussion substitute, mandatory Indian assistant coach, appeals against wrongful dismissals, and an increased salary cap.
ISL introduces concussion substitute rule
The first new regulation introduced by the ISL is the concussion substitute. This rule provides teams with additional flexibility in case of unexpected head injuries during a match. Each club is now allowed one concussion substitution per game, irrespective of other substitutions made during that match. The opposing team will also be granted an opportunity to use an extra substitute, which can be taken immediately or later in the game.
ISL mandates Indian assistant coach
This rule mandates that every team must have an Indian assistant coach who holds an AFC Pro License or its equivalent. This regulation stipulates that if a head coach is dismissed or suspended, the Indian assistant coach will take over all coaching responsibilities on an interim basis. This change aims to ensure continuity in leadership and strategy within teams, even in unexpected circumstances.
ISL allows appeals against wrongful red cards
As per this rule, players or clubs will be given the right to challenge a dismissal if they believe a player wrongly received a red card due to a referee error. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) introduced this rule, which will be now used in the 2024/25 ISL season.
ISL increases salary cap with 'Home grown player' category
The upcoming ISL season will see an increased salary cap through the introduction of a 'Home Grown Player' category. Teams can include up to three players in this category in their squad, who will be exempt from the salary cap brackets. To qualify for this category, a player must be 23 years old or younger and should have been registered with the club for at least three preceding years before the start of an ISL season.
