The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally rejected a significant proposal from the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs that sought to transfer ownership and management of the top-tier competition to the franchises themselves. This decision was made during the federation's Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, deepening the ongoing crisis that has halted domestic club football this season.
Mixed Reactions and Formal Objections
The proposal, presented by Mohun Bagan Super Giant CEO Vinay Chopra on behalf of ten ISL clubs, envisioned a club-owned model for the league. Under this plan, the AIFF would have retained a regulatory role while the clubs would hold permanent majority shareholding, operate the league, and manage it in perpetuity. A key financial aspect included an annual grant of Rs 10 crore to the AIFF. The clubs also proposed conducting the league within 45 days of a formal handover of rights.
However, the scheme received mixed reactions from the assembly. The provisions were deemed 'unacceptable' by Executive Committee Member Avijit Paul. Formal objection letters from Avijit Paul, Valanka Alemao, and East Bengal FC Director Debabrata Sarkar were placed on record, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposal.
Formation of Resolution Committees
In response to the stalemate, the AIFF has appointed a three-member committee to engage with the clubs and seek a resolution. This panel includes:
- Kerala Football Association President Navas Meeran
- Goa state unit chief Caitano Fernandes
- Indian Football Association (West Bengal) Secretary Anirban Datta
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan will serve as an ex-officio member. This committee is scheduled to hold crucial discussions with representatives from five key clubs—Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi Sporting Club, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant—between December 22 and 29, 2025.
Separately, the AIFF also addressed concerns from I-League clubs by forming another three-member committee. This group comprises Andhra Pradesh Football Association President Kotagiri Sridhar, Mizoram Football Association Secretary Lalrengpuia, and Punjab Football Association Secretary Harjinder Singh, who will collaborate with the AIFF Deputy Secretary General.
The Root of the Crisis and Future Steps
The current impasse stems from the failure to finalize a new agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the entity responsible for conducting the ISL. The previous contract expired on December 8, and with no new deal in place, the domestic football season has yet to commence.
The AIFF, in its statement, emphasized that the objective of the newly formed committee is to reach an agreement that adheres to the AIFF Constitution as laid out by the Supreme Court of India. Furthermore, the federation indicated its readiness to consult with global and Asian governing bodies, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), if necessary. This consultation would aim to review how similar league ownership and management situations have been handled in other countries.
The rejection of the club-owned model proposal and the formation of committees mark a critical juncture for Indian football. The coming weeks of dialogue will be pivotal in determining the structure of the league and, more urgently, finding a path to restart the stalled season.
