Indian football faces its most severe financial crisis in recent memory, as a united front of Indian Super League (ISL) clubs has issued a stark warning to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). In a dramatic move, all twelve ISL clubs, with the sole exception of East Bengal, have written to the federation, stating that the current situation is nearing a point of "commercial impossibility" that threatens the very survival of the league.
A League on the Brink: The End of Central Revenue
The core of the crisis stems from the expiration of the Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and its long-time commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). This agreement, which officially ended just three days after the clubs' letter was sent, was the lifeline that provided central revenue to the clubs. This revenue stream was crucial for covering player salaries, infrastructure costs, and day-to-day sporting operations.
"With the expiry of the MRA and the consequent absence of a commercial rights holder, central revenue has ceased entirely," the clubs stated in their letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey. The uncertainty has had a domino effect, causing local sponsors to withdraw or pause their commitments, leaving clubs with no viable income whatsoever while their financial obligations continue to mount.
AIFF's Response and the Search for a Solution
In response to the urgent plea, the AIFF issued a statement saying it has forwarded the clubs' letter to the "relevant authorities," specifically the Ministry of Sports, Government of India. The federation also stated it is sending the communication to the consultancy firm KPMG to explore solutions, including the possibility of issuing a re-tender for commercial rights under tight time constraints.
The root of the problem lies in the AIFF's struggle to find a new commercial partner. Following the Supreme Court-mandated constitution, the federation released a Request for Qualification (RFQ) document seeking a minimum guarantee of Rs 37.5 crores or 5% of gross revenue for the ISL's commercial rights. This document has failed to attract bidders, creating a vacuum of leadership and funding for the league.
Immediate Consequences and a Plea to the Supreme Court
The fallout is already being felt across the ecosystem. The upcoming seasons of both the ISL and the I-League have been put on hold, casting a shadow over the entire calendar of Indian football. Clubs are taking drastic measures to conserve cash; Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan Super Giant have suspended first-team operations, and players fear salaries may be withheld under force majeure clauses.
In their letter, the clubs made a specific and time-bound request to the AIFF. They urged the federation to work with the government to submit a proposed action plan to the Supreme Court on or before December 8, 2025. They warned that any delay beyond this date "risks (causing) irreversible harm to the ecosystem painstakingly built over the past decade." The clubs involved in this collective action are 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, Mohammedan Sporting, and the newly promoted Inter Kashi.
The situation underscores a profound instability at the heart of India's premier football competition. With central revenue evaporated, sponsors fleeing, and a commercial partner yet to be found, the warning of "commercial impossibility" is no longer a distant threat but an imminent reality for the clubs that form the backbone of the ISL.
