Twelve
Indian Super League clubs have approached the All India Football Federation with a request to modify what they call "commercially restrictive" clauses in its constitution. This request was made ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for December 20.
The ISL teams, with East Bengal being the only exception, have suggested that the AIFF should transfer the long-term rights of the top-tier league to the clubs if the federation cannot implement necessary amendments or provide a viable commercial structure.
"...the AIFF should either expressly support removal of commercially restrictive clauses in the Constitution, or itself undertake these amendments at the forthcoming AGM on 20 December 2025," the clubs wrote in a letter to the AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey.
"Thereafter, the federation along with the support of the Government and the Clubs proceed to transparently identify an appropriate commercial partner.
"If the AIFF is unwilling or unable to support the necessary amendments or provide a commercially viable framework for the league, then the only logical solution is for the Federation to transfer the long-term rights of the league to the Clubs."
This latest communication follows a previous letter where the clubs had proposed forming a consortium to operate the league as majority owners, alongside the federation and aligned investors, if a suitable commercial partner cannot be found.
The AIFF's recent tender for ISL commercial rights failed to attract any bidders.
"Clubs must have commercial flexibility, including the ability to attract sponsors, investors, and long-term partners. This is not possible until the commercially restrictive clauses in the AIFF Constitution are amended or removed. Without this change, no sustainable league structure can be built, regardless of good intentions," the letter stated.
The AIFF responded to the clubs' letter, noting that their options are limited due to the matter being before the Supreme Court.
"As the matter is currently sub judice before the Hon'ble Supreme Court, and with the report already submitted by Justice L. N. Rao to the Court, our options remain limited," AIFF deputy secretary general K Satyanarayan wrote in his reply.
"At present, there are two possible approaches: 1. To await the final directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court; or 2. To collectively explore an amicable alternative solution."
Mohun Bagan Super Giant director Vinay Chopra, writing on behalf of all clubs, expressed their readiness to operate and develop the league, writing:
"The time for procedural exchanges, meetings without purpose, and administrative delay has expired... such a meeting must have clear, time-bound decisions, not reiterating constraints that have been known for months.
"The stakes are existential... Indian football faces the genuine risk of losing its only professional league, investors, sponsors, and the confidence of fans. Time is rapidly running out."
The AIFF's suggestion to discuss the consortium proposal at the AGM has met with opposition from Executive Committee members.
AIFF Executive Committee member Avijit Paul expressed concern about bypassing proper procedures, penning: "The Exco is the highest decision-making body in the AIFF, and to bypass it in any form is against the rules and regulations and the constitution of the AIFF... The issue is highly sensitive in nature and is related to the long-time financial health of the AIFF."
"It is hugely disappointing that you have decided to jump the gun and enter into a dialogue in this regard by keeping Exco and General Body in the complete dark," Paul wrote to Satyanarayan.
Women's Committee chairperson Valanka Alemao questioned the authority behind these proposals.
"In the light of...Constitutional provision, no private entity can be permitted to organise the league. So how can there be a possibility for the 'AIFF to explore the possibility under which ISL clubs may collectively form a consortium'," Valanka wrote.
"No such item is on the AGM agenda either. With football coming to a standstill, the federation is being seen in very poor light by all and sundry. The Executive Committee needs an explanation from you regarding your intentions in trying to provide avenues which breach Constitutional provisions."
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