ISL Clubs Appeal to Government for Financial Relief and Structural Stability
The 14 Indian Super League clubs have collectively approached the Sports Ministry with a comprehensive request for immediate operational support and medium-term stability measures. This coordinated effort aims to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming football season while addressing pressing financial challenges facing the league.
Urgent Call for Public Sector Support
At the core of their proposal lies a request for interim commercial assistance through Public Sector Undertakings. The clubs have emphasized that even limited PSU involvement through sponsorship, branding, or advertising arrangements would provide crucial immediate relief. Such institutional support would not only ease financial burdens but also enhance credibility and create essential breathing space to gradually restore private investment confidence.
The clubs described the upcoming campaign, scheduled to commence on February 14, as operating under "virtual force majeure" conditions. With compressed timelines and unequal operational circumstances, they argue that traditional league structures require temporary adaptation to maintain competitive fairness.
Request for Relegation Moratorium
A significant component of their appeal involves seeking a temporary stay on relegation for three to five seasons. The clubs contend that imposing standard relegation rules during this period of financial uncertainty could undermine sporting integrity and potentially deter future investors. They propose that a temporary freeze would allow clubs to develop long-term strategies, continue investing in player development programs, and provide the revised league structure sufficient time to achieve economic predictability.
"In this context, the financial stress on club owners has increased significantly, and participation in the current season is being undertaken primarily as a measure to preserve the ecosystem rather than as a commercially viable exercise," the clubs stated in their formal communication.
Structural Challenges and Operational Burdens
The clubs highlighted several specific operational concerns contributing to their financial strain. Most stadiums and training facilities remain government-owned or controlled, with rising costs for rentals, utilities, pitch maintenance, and match-day operations creating substantial burdens. Additionally, mandatory expenses for police deployment, fire services, and local administrative support further increase operational overhead.
They have requested Ministry assistance in securing concessional access to stadiums and training facilities for the next three years, along with improved coordination with State Governments to ensure timely venue availability and essential services.
Governance Flexibility and Broadcast Support
Regarding league governance, the clubs urged pragmatic relaxation of club licensing norms for this exceptional season. They proposed temporarily deferring certain developmental requirements while maintaining core standards related to player safety, medical care, and competition integrity.
The communication also sought waivers or substantial concessions on broadcast-related charges, emphasizing that live telecasts remain critical for fan engagement and national visibility. The clubs noted that central commercial inflows, broadcast-linked revenues, and league-wide sponsorship support continue to demonstrate unpredictability despite the ISL's decade-long evolution into India's premier professional football competition.
Formal Submission and Legal Context
The detailed letter, dated January 30 and addressed to the Joint Secretary, follows extensive discussions with the All India Football Federation and various ISL stakeholders. Submitted at the Ministry's specific request, this communication aims to provide an updated factual position for presentation before the Supreme Court through the Solicitor General.
The clubs emphasized that their submission was intended to assist the Government in presenting a complete and accurate representation of current circumstances during ongoing legal proceedings. This collaborative approach reflects the league's commitment to transparent dialogue while addressing systemic challenges affecting India's professional football landscape.
