AIFF Proposes Name Change to Football Federation of Bharat
AIFF's Proposal for Name Change
On Saturday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced its intention to request a name change to Football Federation of Bharat (FFB) following the acceptance of a proposal during a Special General Body Meeting. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey stated that the name alteration will only proceed with the approval of the sports ministry. He emphasized that the national federation will also seek consent from FIFA, the global governing body for football.
Chaubey explained, "This proposal will be forwarded to the sports ministry. It's a procedural step that commenced today. If the ministry disapproves or has alternative suggestions, the matter will not proceed. However, if the ministry gives its approval, we will present it to the general body before sending it to FIFA. This is just the initial phase of a multi-step process, which requires several approvals, including from FIFA and the ministry, but we must begin somewhere." He referenced the name changes of football associations in countries like Turkiye and Czechia as precedents for this move.
Upcoming ISL Season Details
ISL 2026-27 to Commence on September 4
The general body has also sanctioned the commencement of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) on September 4. The AIFF's annual calendar has been approved, with the ISL schedule to be determined by the managing committee. The upcoming season is anticipated to span seven months, featuring home and away matches for the 14 participating teams.
In a related development, the AIFF has yet to finalize the structure of the ISL, delegating this decision to a managing committee comprising five representatives from the 14 clubs, three officials from the national federation, and three from commercial partners. Chaubey noted, "The proposal has originated from the clubs and requires thorough discussion. The AIFF will engage with the clubs to deliberate on this matter. The managing committee will have the authority to advance the proposal, which will subsequently be presented to the executive committee for ratification."
Commercial Rights and Governance
Earlier this month, the AIFF had tentatively agreed to a club-led model for managing the ISL for the next two years following discussions with sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Genius Sports, based in London, emerged as the top bidder for the ISL's commercial rights, offering Rs 2,129 crore for a 15+5 year deal, which includes a 5% annual increase, translating to approximately Rs 64 crore per year.
According to the revenue-sharing model proposed by Genius Sports, the AIFF would receive Rs 12.4 crore in the first year. However, the AIFF's proposal to charge clubs an entry fee has faced opposition from ISL clubs. The clubs have suggested acquiring the commercial rights for the two-year period and compensating the AIFF Rs 15.4 crore annually to cover regulatory costs, including refereeing and legal support.
The ISL clubs have assured that the AIFF's role as the regulatory authority of Indian football will be fully maintained, with all essential regulatory functions remaining under the AIFF's jurisdiction, including referee management, legal oversight, and compliance with FIFA and AFC regulations. They believe this structure will ensure a clear distinction between the league's commercial and regulatory responsibilities.