AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation has announced the AIFF Academy Accreditation Rules and Regulations for the 2026-27 season. The application window is now open, with academies required to apply through the Centralised Registration System (CRS) within the stipulated deadline.

Academies will be assessed based on a defined checklist outlined in the accreditation document and awarded star ratings based on their performance across key parameters. A minimum one-star rating is required for Elite Academy Accreditation, with higher ratings up to five stars awarded based on overall grading.

The 2026-27 cycle introduces several updates to the accreditation framework as compared to last season:

The boys’ structure (Criteria 1) now includes an U-20 team (previously U-13 to U-18), while the girls’ structure has been expanded to include an Under-18 team (previously U-13 to U-16). Additionally, points will be awarded based on every five youth matches played and recorded on the AIFF CMS.

Points will now be awarded for all group stage wins (Criteria 3), as against only final round performances in the previous cycle.

Academies will receive points for players developed through their own Blue Cubs programmes (Criteria 4), as well as for every 100 minutes played by local players.

The player retention requirement (Criteria 5) has been increased to a minimum of three years (earlier two years). Additional points have been introduced for individual training plans and for players representing India at the U17, U20 and U23 levels.

The presence of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and player insurance has been made mandatory (Criteria 7).

Academies can earn additional points for conducting workshops and events such as injury-prevention and safeguarding programmes, beyond licensing courses (Criteria 10).

The Academy Accreditation Programme remains a central component in standardising academy structures and strengthening the youth development ecosystem across the country.

Click on this link to access the full document containing the rules and regulations for AIFF Academy Accreditation 2026-27.