AIFF Refuses Additional Funding for Indian Super League Amid Financial Strain
AIFF's Stance on Funding and Participation Fees
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that it will not provide any new financial support for the current season of the Indian Super League (ISL), which commenced on February 14. This decision follows delays caused by the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in December 2025 and the lack of a new commercial partner. The federation has also cautioned clubs that failure to pay the necessary participation fees could lead to severe disciplinary measures, including possible disqualification from the league.
As reported by Sportstar, the AIFF communicated with the clubs on February 26, confirming that its budget for the ongoing ISL season remains unchanged at Rs 26.23 crore, which includes Rs 7.92 crore allocated for prize money and production costs. The federation emphasized the payment structure that clubs must adhere to, while also stating that it will keep the funds obtained from broadcasting and streaming rights.
The AIFF has already received 40% of the broadcasting and streaming rights revenue from FanCode, totaling Rs 3.448 crore, with clubs receiving the remaining Rs 5.172 crore. After accounting for FanCode’s payment, clubs are required to collectively pay the AIFF Rs 93,84,286 in four installments: Rs 30 lakh by March 5, another Rs 30 lakh between March 28 and April 4, followed by Rs 30 lakh, and finally Rs 20 lakh on May 1.
Failure to meet these payment deadlines will result in penalties from the AIFF, charging Rs 1 lakh per day for each day of delay, up to a maximum of seven days. If clubs do not settle their dues, the federation will issue a ‘letter of disqualification’ to the offending club, allowing four additional days for payment. Non-compliance within this timeframe will lead to disqualification from the ISL.
The current ISL season, featuring 91 matches, is scheduled to conclude on May 17. This situation highlights the financial and administrative difficulties facing the league following the end of its previous commercial rights agreement with FSDL.