ISL Clubs Unanimously Oppose Churchill Brothers Inclusion in Top-Tier League
In a decisive move that underscores their commitment to competitive integrity and structural stability, Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have formally communicated to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that no expansion or alteration of the current league format is acceptable at this stage. This strong stance comes after the federation sought feedback regarding the potential inclusion of Churchill Brothers FC in the premier football competition.
League Structure Deemed Final and Closed
The ISL 2025–26 season, which commenced on February 14 with 14 teams including I-League champions Inter Kashi FC, has already seen several matches played. Clubs were taken aback when they received an email from AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan late Wednesday, reopening discussions about league expansion.
In their collective response delivered on Thursday, the clubs expressed confusion about why this matter was being revisited. "Given that this issue was previously deliberated upon and aligned in discussions with the AIFF, we are unclear on the basis for reopening the matter," the clubs stated, echoing their previously established position on league stability.
The clubs emphasized that the current league structure forms the foundation of existing sporting, operational, financial and contractual commitments. They argued that any ad-hoc inclusion of a club outside recognized sporting pathways would undermine merit-based participation and competitive fairness.
Churchill Brothers' Controversial Bid
Churchill Brothers, the two-time I-League champions, have maintained that their legal battle for top-tier status continues, with the matter remaining sub judice. Their championship title from last season was controversially revoked after Kashi won two appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In their renewed push for ISL inclusion, Churchill Brothers presented support letters from FC Goa and SC Delhi, prompting the AIFF to solicit opinions from the remaining twelve clubs. However, this move has been met with significant resistance from the broader club community.
Operational and Regulatory Concerns
The participating clubs highlighted several critical concerns regarding potential mid-season structural changes:
- No regulatory framework exists within the current governance structure permitting mid-cycle expansion
- Clubs have already committed irrevocably to budgets, salary structures, player registrations, and employment contracts based on the fixed competition format
- Sponsorship arrangements, broadcast schedules, and match operations have been finalized according to the approved league structure
- Any alteration would impose disproportionate burdens and create potential contractual and legal complications
"Any such action would create uncertainty and set a destabilising precedent across the football pyramid," the clubs warned in their formal communication.
Previous Rejection and Current Consensus
The clubs pointed out that the AIFF executive committee had previously rejected Churchill Brothers' proposal, making the current reconsideration appear inconsistent with established regulatory processes. They noted that even the supporting clubs—FC Goa and SC Delhi—had indicated they would abide by the majority decision of both clubs and the federation.
"In the circumstances, and given the surrounding context, it appears those communications may have been made under situational pressure," the clubs suggested regarding the support letters.
With the overwhelming majority of participating clubs opposing expansion, and given the federation's regulatory authority over league composition, the clubs have requested formal confirmation that the ISL 2025–26 season will proceed with the previously approved structure of fourteen teams.
This firm stance from ISL clubs represents a significant moment in Indian football governance, emphasizing the importance of stability, meritocracy, and structured growth in the country's premier football competition.
