The All India Football Federation has set a firm deadline for Odisha FC, asking the club to confirm its participation in the upcoming Indian Super League season by 5 PM on Friday. This development comes after the club submitted a letter to the national federation outlining several specific conditions for its entry into this edition of the top-tier league.
Odisha FC's List of Demands
According to sources familiar with the matter, Odisha FC, the former Super Cup champions, presented a set of requests to the AIFF on Thursday. The club's conditions for participation included a significant financial ask: a waiver of the Rs 1 crore participation fee. Furthermore, Odisha FC sought stadium support at no cost to the club, central financial assistance from the federation, and a guarantee of no relegation from the Indian Super League.
AIFF's Firm and Uniform Stance
The AIFF responded with a clear and uncompromising position. A senior official told the Times of India that the federation informed Odisha FC that "the proposal communicated to all participating clubs is uniform and not amenable to negotiation." The official emphasized that Odisha was the sole club to write directly to the AIFF, while other clubs chose to address their concerns to the sports ministry, marking copies to the football body.
"We are very clear in our stand and have made it known to Odisha," the official stated, underscoring the federation's resolve to maintain equal terms for all teams in the competition.
Broader Context and Ministerial Meeting
This standoff occurs against the backdrop of a delayed ISL season, which Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced earlier this week will now kick off on February 14. The minister confirmed that all 14 teams are expected to take part. However, Odisha FC is not alone in seeking support; they are among six clubs that have approached the sports ministry for assistance before giving their final confirmation. The other clubs are:
- FC Goa
- Chennaiyin FC
- Mumbai City FC
- Bengaluru FC
- Kerala Blasters FC
In a related development, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey is scheduled to meet Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday, presumably to discuss the league's preparations and the concerns raised by multiple clubs.
The coming hours are critical for Indian football, as the federation awaits Odisha FC's decision by the Friday evening deadline, which will determine the final composition of the upcoming Indian Super League season.
