In a significant move aimed at rescuing the stalled domestic football season, the clubs of the Indian Super League (ISL) have formally submitted a proposal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The clubs have asked for the rights to operate, manage, and commercially exploit the nation's premier football competition.
The Financial Proposal and Immediate Crisis
The clubs have offered to pay an annual fee of Rs 10 crore to the AIFF for these rights, starting from the 2026-27 season. However, for the current transitional season, all clubs except East Bengal stated they cannot pay any fee due to extraordinary circumstances and the urgent need to ensure the league kicks off without further delay.
This offer comes against the backdrop of the AIFF failing to find a commercial partner for the league, which has led to an unprecedented situation where the top-tier league has not started on time for the first time since 1996. The federation's own tender, which sought a minimum of Rs 37.5 crore annually, found no takers.
Governance Structure and Stakeholder Meetings
If approved by the AIFF general body in its meeting on Saturday in the capital, the proposed model would see the participating clubs collectively hold a permanent majority shareholding. The AIFF would retain one special share to safeguard sporting integrity, regulatory authority, and statutory compliance.
A senior club official revealed that the proposal is the result of extensive discussions. "We have had four meetings with the AIFF, two with the sports ministry, and at the end of it, the clubs are the only group to put a concrete proposal on the table," the official said. The clubs have assured that they can get the league running within 45 days of approval.
Economic Realities and Player Commitments
During a virtual meeting with the sports ministry and AIFF on Thursday, the clubs highlighted the harsh financial realities. They emphasized the need for a realistic framework in the absence of a central commercial partner and a drastically altered revenue landscape. This season, clubs face limited sponsors and no central revenue, which traditionally forms a major part of their income.
Addressing concerns about player contracts, an official clarified that the clubs have so far honored their financial commitments. "We have paid players so far and honoured our commitment, even when the league itself remains uncertain," the official stated. They stressed that any discussions on contracts must be lawful and consensual, noting that "globally, football resets in crisis years."
Constitutional Hurdles and the Path Forward
A major hurdle is the current AIFF constitution, which mandates that the senior-most top division league must be owned, operated, and recognized by the federation itself. The clubs have sought the sports ministry's help to engage with all stakeholders and present to the Supreme Court the necessity for amending these constitutional clauses. The goal is to enable a modern and transparent league governance framework aligned with global standards.
The club official framed the proposal as an act of responsibility. "We have acted out of responsibility, not convenience. The aim is to ensure Indian football does not come to a complete halt," they said, calling for leadership and collaboration from the entire ecosystem to move Indian football forward.
