Indian Super League (ISL) teams have collectively urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to prioritize the development of a comprehensive, long-term roadmap for Indian football before implementing any short-term league structures. This request was formalized in a letter to the AIFF, penned by Mohun Bagan Super Giant CEO Vinay Chopra, and comes ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled for December 26.
The ISL clubs are seeking clarity on the immediate and long-term structure of the competition. They've stressed that a detailed presentation of the league's long-term structure and commercial framework is essential for informed decision-making. While open to participating in a short-term league, the clubs insist that such participation must align with a broader, sustainable vision. Key areas of concern include the proposed revenue model, broadcasting arrangements, and the overall cost structure, including the sharing of financial responsibilities.
The AIFF formed a committee earlier in December to resolve the current impasse, comprising representatives from various football associations and the AIFF. This followed a General Body meeting on December 20 where differences emerged regarding the league's future structure.
The clubs' proposal suggests that the AIFF should allow ISL clubs to form a consortium to manage the league, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the AIFF's ability to secure a favorable commercial partner. This proposal suggests the clubs collectively own/operate the league as majority owners, alongside the Federation and aligned commercial/broadcast/private investors. The AIFF acknowledged this proposal, stating it would require deliberation and approval from the Executive Committee and the AGM.
The ISL clubs are seeking perpetual operational and commercial rights under a club-owned league model, while retaining the AIFF as the sport's regulator. They argue this model would safeguard the continuity of elite football in India, strengthen governance, ensure long-term financial sustainability, align with global best practices, and allow the AIFF to focus on regulation, grassroots development, and national team performance.
Under this proposal, the clubs would have permanent rights for a dedicated league company to operate and manage the top-tier league, subject to compliance with AIFF, AFC, and FIFA statutes. The league company would be structured to ensure that participating clubs collectively hold a permanent majority shareholding, while the AIFF would retain a special share to safeguard sporting integrity and regulatory oversight.
The clubs have proposed that no league rights fee be paid to the AIFF for the 2025–26 season, citing transitional circumstances and the need to ensure the competition's uninterrupted continuity. From the 2026–27 season onward, the clubs propose an annual grant of Rs 10 crore to the AIFF, regardless of whether a commercial partner is inducted, to be used for grassroots and youth development, referee and coach education, and administrative and governance expenses.
The AIFF's vision includes a 10-year sanction for the ISL with a clear calendar window and full commercial freedom to run the league. The AIFF also seeks to discuss promotions and relegations from the ISL and their impact on the AFC Roadmap for Indian football. The AIFF wants the league owners to make annual solidarity payments to the AIFF game development fund.
The ISL attained the sole top-tier league status in India from the 2022-23 season. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the I-League from the 2025–26 season.
