In a bold move to revive India's top football division, the clubs of the Indian Super League (ISL) have formally proposed a complete restructuring of the league's ownership and operational framework. The clubs have recommended adopting a club-owned model, where they would hold permanent majority control, while offering the All India Football Federation (AIFF) an annual grant of Rs 10 crore and a regulatory role.
The Core of the Proposal: A New League Structure
The detailed proposal, submitted jointly to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Friday, December 19, 2025, comes at a critical juncture. The domestic football pyramid has been in disarray since the agreement between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a Reliance Industries subsidiary, expired. Subsequent attempts by the AIFF to find new commercial partners through tenders yielded no takers.
The clubs' plan outlines a clear shift in power and responsibility. They seek the exclusive rights to operate, manage, and commercially exploit the country's premier football competition. Under the proposed structure, the participating clubs would hold a permanent majority shareholding in a new 'League Company'. The AIFF would retain one special share to safeguard sporting integrity and its regulatory authority.
Financial Terms and Immediate Timeline
The financial arrangement is a central pillar of the offer. The clubs have proposed that no league rights fee be paid to the AIFF for the 2025-26 season, citing transitional challenges and the need for uninterrupted competition. However, from the 2026-27 season onwards, the clubs would collectively provide an annual grant of Rs 10 crore to the national federation, irrespective of whether they bring in a commercial partner at the league level.
Emphasizing urgency, the clubs have committed to commencing the top-division league within 45 days of a formal handover of rights. This tight deadline underscores their desire for a swift resolution to the current impasse.
Potential Roadblocks and Broader Context
The proposal is likely to be a key discussion point at the AIFF's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, December 20, 2025. However, it may face significant opposition. Some members of the AIFF's executive committee have already expressed strong reservations. Committee member Avijit Paul was quoted by PTI describing the proposal as 'demeaning', 'unacceptable', and something that 'undermined the authority' of the AIFF.
Complicating matters further is the fact that the broader issue of the AIFF's constitution, which is linked to this league structure debate, is currently sub-judice in the Supreme Court. Recognizing this legal complexity, the clubs have directly sought the intervention of the Sports Ministry to help navigate the path forward.
The outcome of this proposal could redefine the future of professional football in India, determining whether control rests primarily with the clubs or remains with the national federation and its commercial partners.
