Following the Supreme Court's approval of the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) new draft constitution, Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia has urged the AIFF to adopt a management model similar to that of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Indian Super League (ISL). The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant step towards governance reforms and clearer operations within Indian football.

Bhutia emphasized that the IPL serves as a prime example of how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully established and organized the league. He suggested that the AIFF could replicate this model, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the effective organization of the ISL. The Supreme Court's order stipulates that the AIFF will assume sole ownership of the top-tier league, shifting away from private ownership and management.

Bhutia acknowledged that this transition would present challenges for the AIFF, requiring a collective effort from all parties involved. He stressed the importance of support from stakeholders, including the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), in organizing the league. The former India captain also highlighted the significance of former players' inclusion in the AIFF general body, enabling them to contribute to the governance of the game for the first time since India's independence.

The Supreme Court's approval of the AIFF's draft constitution aims to bring transparency, professionalism, and accountability to Indian football governance. The constitution, prepared by a court-appointed Committee of Administrators (COA), seeks to reform governance and promote the sport's growth. The court has directed the AIFF to convene a general body meeting within four weeks to adopt the new constitution, incorporating court-suggested modifications.

The approved constitution includes several key provisions:

• A minimum age of 25 for office bearers.
• A requirement that office bearers be citizens and residents of India.
• The creation of three vice-president posts, one of which must be held by a woman.
• Office bearer disqualification only upon conviction and sentencing.
• A cap on office-bearers' tenure at 12 years.
• A mandatory four-year cooling-off period after eight years in office.
• An upper age limit of 70 for office bearers.

The General Body will include representatives from state associations, 15 eminent players (five women), three club nominees, and two representatives each from referees and coaches. The court reduced the eligibility criteria for "eminent players" to five international matches for men and two for women.

The Supreme Court emphasized that sporting facilities and opportunities should not be limited to the urban economic elite and that revenues from sporting events, intellectual property, and media rights should be distributed to encourage accessible and affordable sports. The court also stated that the AIFF constitution should be adopted by all state associations and local-level football associations to create a unified structure.

The current executive committee, led by Kalyan Chaubey, will continue to serve its term until September 2026, with elections to be held as scheduled. The Supreme Court's decision paves the way for the AIFF to resume discussions with FSDL regarding a new Indian Super League deal following the expiration of the current agreement in December. Domestic tournaments, such as the Super Cup and ISL, can now proceed smoothly, provided the existing issues are resolved promptly. India's national teams will also benefit from this stability as they prepare for upcoming international matches.

Bhutia's call for the AIFF to emulate the IPL model reflects a broader desire to enhance the organization and governance of Indian football. By implementing the reforms outlined in the new constitution and adopting successful strategies from other sports leagues, the AIFF aims to elevate Indian football to new heights.