Punjab FC stands out as the only club to secure the Indian Football Premier 1 Club License without any sanctions for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently announced the list of clubs granted the Premier 1 Club License for the 2024-25 season, a prestigious license that permits clubs to participate in all Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Club Competitions, provided they qualify, and the Indian Super League (ISL).
Among the clubs, Punjab FC emerged as the sole club to have their license approved directly without any sanctions, marking a significant achievement in their administrative and operational compliance. This distinction places Punjab FC in a favorable position, underscoring their adherence to the stringent criteria set by AIFF and AFC.
In contrast, several other prominent clubs received their licenses but with attached sanctions. These clubs include:
- Mumbai City FC (ISL Cup winners)
- Mohun Bagan SG (ISL League Shield winners)
- FC Goa
- Bengaluru FC
- Chennaiyin FC
- Northeast United FC
- East Bengal FC
- Mohammedan Sporting (newly promoted)
These clubs will need to address specific sanctions or conditions imposed by the AIFF to maintain their eligibility for the AFC Club Competitions and ISL.
However, the situation is more critical for some clubs whose license requests were outright rejected. The clubs facing rejection are:
- Jamshedpur FC
- Hyderabad FC
- Kerala Blasters FC
- Odisha FC
These clubs must either appeal the AIFF’s decision or pay fines to secure an exemption. Failing to do so could jeopardize their participation in both the AFC Club Competitions and the ISL, posing significant operational and competitive challenges for the upcoming season.
The Premier 1 Club License is vital for Indian football clubs, as it not only allows participation in domestic and continental competitions but also reflects the club’s compliance with rigorous standards in club management, infrastructure, and financial stability. The AIFF’s licensing system aims to elevate the standards of Indian football, ensuring that clubs are well-equipped to compete at the highest levels both domestically and internationally.
Punjab FC’s achievement in securing the license without sanctions sets a benchmark for other clubs to follow, highlighting the importance of comprehensive club management and operational excellence. As the new season approaches, it will be intriguing to see how the sanctioned clubs address their conditions and how the rejected clubs manage their appeals or fines to secure their place in the ISL and beyond.