ISL Clubs Propose Major Overhaul for Indian Football League Structure

In a bold move, Indian Super League clubs have proposed a comprehensive restructuring of the league, seeking to secure operational and commercial rights while maintaining the All India Football Federation's regulatory role. This proposal aims to enhance governance, ensure financial sustainability, and safeguard the continuity of elite football in India. Amidst ongoing challenges, the clubs are pushing for a dedicated league company to manage operations, with the AIFF's involvement limited to regulatory functions. The proposal also includes financial arrangements and emphasizes the urgency of starting the league promptly. As discussions unfold, the future of Indian football hangs in the balance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:38 IST

Proposed Changes to the Indian Super League

New Delhi: On Friday, clubs participating in the Indian Super League (ISL) put forth a significant proposal aimed at restructuring the nation's premier professional football league. Their goal is to secure ongoing operational and commercial rights under a club-owned model while still recognizing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the governing body of the sport.

This proposal was submitted just before the deadline for ISL clubs to outline a plan for establishing a consortium to manage the league, which is set to begin its 2025-26 season.

In a joint letter directed to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the clubs stated, "We are formally presenting a comprehensive proposal for the restructuring of ownership, governance, and operational frameworks of India's top-tier professional football league."

The clubs emphasized that this initiative aims to ensure the continuity of elite football in India, enhance governance structures, and promote long-term financial viability, all while allowing the AIFF to concentrate on its primary responsibilities of regulation, governance, grassroots development, and national team success.

This proposal emerges amidst a backdrop of uncertainty in Indian football, characterized by governance issues, the expiration of commercial contracts, and ongoing Supreme Court proceedings regarding amendments to the AIFF constitution.

The clubs suggested that the AIFF should grant a dedicated league company the rights to operate, manage, and commercially exploit the league indefinitely, contingent upon adherence to AIFF, AFC, and FIFA regulations.

The proposed League Company would be structured to ensure that participating clubs maintain a permanent majority shareholding, while the AIFF would hold a special share to protect sporting integrity and regulatory authority.

Additionally, the clubs would have the option to bring in commercial or strategic partners at the league level, provided that they retain majority ownership and voting rights.

The proposal also stipulates that the AIFF would have the right to nominate one director to the League Company's Board.

Under this framework, the AIFF's role would be limited to regulatory and governance functions, such as establishing competition regulations, club licensing, and managing referees and match officials, while not bearing any commercial risks or operational liabilities.

The clubs would take full responsibility for daily operations, including the commercial exploitation of media and sponsorship rights, financial management, and maintaining broadcast and sporting standards.

In terms of financial arrangements, the clubs proposed that no league rights fee be paid to the AIFF for the 2025-26 season due to transitional circumstances, ensuring the competition's continuity.

Starting from the 2026-27 season, the clubs may consider providing the AIFF with an annual grant of Rs 10 crore, regardless of whether a commercial partner is involved, to support grassroots and youth development, referee and coach training, and administrative expenses.

Highlighting the urgency of maintaining continuity, the clubs assured that the football season would not be interrupted and expressed their commitment to starting the league within 45 days of a formal rights transfer, pending regulatory approvals.

Recognizing that some aspects of the proposal may necessitate changes to the AIFF constitution, currently under Supreme Court review, the clubs requested support from both the AIFF and the Ministry to present the rationale for these amendments to the court.

The clubs also urged the AIFF to consider the proposal in principle, engage with the Ministry, and form a joint working group with representatives from the AIFF, Ministry, and the clubs to address legal, regulatory, and transitional issues, including timelines and approvals from AFC, FIFA, and the Supreme Court.

All ISL club representatives have been invited to the upcoming AIFF Annual General Meeting on Saturday, where this matter is expected to be discussed.