A high-level committee within the All India Football Federation has issued a firm directive to resolve the prolonged stalemate surrounding the upcoming Indian Super League season. The three-member coordination panel has called for an immediate announcement of the league's commencement date and has recommended strict action, including relegation, for any clubs that decline to participate.
Key Recommendations and Proposed Timeline
The committee, in a report submitted to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, has suggested February 15 as the start date for the new edition of India's top-tier football competition. It has set a crucial deadline of January 15 for all clubs to sign and submit mandatory 20-year participation agreements. The panel emphasized that the AIFF should finalize the competition format swiftly, consulting with clubs but retaining the authority to make a final decision to prevent further delays.
After months of negotiations since August last year and five intensive meetings in the last ten days, significant progress appears to have been made. A major breakthrough is the federation's agreement to contribute financially towards organizing the league. Clubs have been granted leeway until June to pay this season's franchise fee of Rs 1 crore, acknowledging current revenue shortfalls.
Financial Breakthrough and Operational Details
According to sources, the AIFF will contribute Rs 5 crore, which accounts for approximately 12.5% of the estimated total cost of running the league in a single-leg, centralized venue format. This contribution is aimed at covering operational expenses. Furthermore, the federation has agreed to bear the cost of refereeing for the season.
Clubs have been given the freedom to refine the existing Request for Proposal (RFP) to attract a commercial partner and broadcaster. They will also lead negotiations on commercial matters. Regarding broadcast production, the decision has been left to the clubs' discretion.
Next Steps and Formal Process
The AIFF's emergency committee met on Saturday to acknowledge the report, which recommended that the league be conducted by the federation itself. In an official statement, the AIFF confirmed, "we will conduct the league, and the date of commencement will be announced next week."
A formal proposal detailing these agreements will be sent to all 14 ISL clubs within the next 24 to 48 hours. Once the clubs confirm their participation, the AIFF will seek a one-time exemption from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and jointly approach the Union Sports Ministry for necessary infrastructural and logistical support.
The coordination committee comprised Navas Meeran (President, Kerala FA), Caitano Fernandes (President, Goa FA), and Anirban Dutta (Secretary, Indian Football Association, West Bengal), with AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan serving as an ex-officio member. The committee expressed hope that the AIFF would take all necessary steps to ensure the continuity and stability of Indian football, safeguarding the interests of players, clubs, and sports professionals.
