Panaji: At least 11 of the 14 top-tier clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) are currently reviewing their commitment to the league beyond the current season, citing persistent uncertainty in Indian football. Club owners held two virtual meetings with senior officials of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday, a crucial day before the special general meeting in Kolkata, which will deliberate on commercial partners for the league.
Meetings with AIFF Officials
The first meeting included AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, while Vice President NA Haris chaired the second session. During these discussions, clubs presented a detailed proposal advocating a club-led model for the future operation and commercialization of the ISL. They suggested that Genius Sports, which has bid for commercial rights, could serve as the league's data and technology partner.
Stalemate Over Proposals
According to an official, the meeting concluded on a tense note, as the AIFF showed minimal interest in the club-led proposal. The federation appears to favor Genius Sports, which has bid Rs 64.4 crore annually, with a 5% annual increase, for the commercial rights of both the ISL and the Federation Cup.
Joint Statement from Clubs
Later on Friday, club owners decided to release a joint statement. Nine clubs—Kerala Blasters, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City, FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, Odisha FC, Inter Kashi, and Chennaiyin FC—shared the statement on social media. Punjab FC and NorthEast United were tagged, with Punjab awaiting owner approval while others are fully on board. Except for East Bengal, all other clubs had either the owner or a representative present at the meeting.
The statement read: "Our clubs have consistently invested in Indian football, often in difficult and uncertain circumstances, and remain deeply committed to its future. However, the continued absence of structural certainty, commercial clarity, and long-term visibility has made it increasingly difficult to justify the financial and operational commitments required to compete sustainably."
Clubs expressed disappointment that those who have funded and sustained the league continue to face uncertainty over the operational structure. They emphasized that a financially sustainable league is crucial for Indian football's future and proposed an alternative model they believe is credible and worthy of evaluation.
Upcoming AIFF General Meeting
The AIFF has called a special general meeting in Kolkata on Saturday to seek approval for commercial rights proposals for the ISL and the Indian Women's League (IWL). However, constitutional hurdles mean that agenda items will only be discussed and deliberated among members.
AIFF Executive Committee member Valanka Alemao noted that the federation has not yet constituted associations for players, coaches, and referees to expand the general body as per the Supreme Court's order.
