ISL Clubs Urge AIFF for Urgent Action Amidst Commercial Uncertainty

ISL Clubs Call for Immediate Resolution

In a significant move, twelve clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) have reached out to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), urging for a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis in Indian football. They expressed concerns that the current circumstances could jeopardize their operational viability.

The Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the entity responsible for organizing the ISL, is set to expire on December 8. This expiration raises concerns about the future commercial framework for the league.

The clubs highlighted in their correspondence to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey that while they have been diligent in meeting salary and contractual obligations, the situation is becoming increasingly untenable, bordering on commercial impossibility.

The twelve clubs involved include FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC, Odisha FC, and Mohammedan Sporting. Inter Kashi, recently promoted to the ISL after winning the I-League, also joined the appeal.

For nearly eleven years, these clubs have heavily invested in Indian football despite facing ongoing financial losses, relying on a stable league structure and central revenue to manage their operations effectively.

However, with the MRA's expiration and the absence of a commercial rights holder, this central revenue has completely halted. This uncertainty has led local sponsors to withdraw their support, leaving the clubs without any income while still facing financial obligations.

The clubs urged the AIFF to collaborate with the government to present a plan addressing the issues discussed with sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya before the December 8 deadline, ensuring the Supreme Court is informed of the proposed solutions.

They emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the future of both the ISL and the broader Indian football landscape hinges on immediate action.

The clubs requested that the AIFF submit a report detailing the proposed actions to the Supreme Court by December 8, 2025, to restore commercial certainty without further delay.

Any delay beyond this date could cause irreversible damage to the football ecosystem that has been carefully developed over the past decade.

In response, the AIFF acknowledged the letter and stated that it would forward the concerns to the Ministry of Sports for necessary action.

The AIFF also committed to exploring all options to establish a sustainable model for the growth of Indian football.

Additionally, they mentioned engaging KPMG to find a suitable solution, including the possibility of issuing a new tender while considering time constraints.

The clubs have filed an 'Interim Application' with the Supreme Court, seeking to eliminate commercial barriers that have complicated the tender process.

They pointed out that the AIFF has the authority to amend its statutes, which could facilitate smoother commercial operations without needing judicial intervention.

If the court proceedings take time, the clubs urged the AIFF to act swiftly in consultation with the government to prevent procedural delays from jeopardizing the sport.

The AIFF's Annual General Body Meeting is scheduled for December 20.

A recent tender issued by the AIFF to find a new commercial partner for the ISL did not attract any bidders. The clubs proposed that if a revised tender fails to secure a partner, the AIFF should consider allowing the ISL clubs to form a consortium to manage the league collectively, alongside the federation and commercial investors.

This approach aligns with global best practices and reflects the clubs' long-term commitment to Indian football.

Should a new tender be issued, the clubs requested that it occur only after resolving constitutional barriers to ensure a legally sound and commercially viable process.

They stressed the importance of conducting the tender within a strict timeline to stabilize the league's commercial structure and salvage the current season.

Beyond the immediate tender, the clubs called for a comprehensive long-term solution to address the underlying structural challenges.