The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have failed to reach an agreement on the club-led model proposed by 13 of the 14 clubs. East Bengal, the ISL champions, are the only club that did not co-sign the proposal.
Clubs Express Deep Concern
In a social media post, the clubs stated, "With deep concern and disappointment, the clubs of the Indian Super League wish to state that, given the continued uncertainty surrounding professional football in India, we are now compelled to review the extent of our commitment to the league beyond the current season."
The clubs highlighted their consistent investment in Indian football, often under difficult and uncertain circumstances, and reiterated their deep commitment to its future. However, they noted that 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.
Call for Sustainable Framework
The clubs emphasized that Indian football has the foundation to be far greater than it is today. They expressed disappointment that those who have built, funded, promoted, and sustained the league continue to face uncertainty over the very structure within which they are expected to operate.
"At the heart of Indian football's future must be a financially sustainable league. The clubs have proposed an alternative model which we believe is credible, constructive, and worthy of being evaluated on merit, alongside any other proposal before the AIFF," the post continued.
The clubs urged the AIFF to acknowledge the realities faced by those funding and operating the league and to work collaboratively towards a framework that is sustainable, inclusive, and built with all stakeholders in mind.
This development comes as a significant setback for Indian football, with the potential to impact the upcoming ISL season and the broader football ecosystem in the country.
