The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally rejected a significant proposal from the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs seeking to take ownership of the premier football competition. This decision was made during the federation's Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, deepening the ongoing crisis in Indian domestic football.
The Proposal and the Immediate Rejection
At the AGM, a formal proposal to restructure the country's top division was presented by the ISL clubs. The plan advocated for a club-owned model where the franchises would hold permanent majority shareholding and manage the league's operations, while the AIFF would continue in its role as the regulatory body. The proposal was submitted by all ten ISL clubs and presented by Mr. Vinay Chopra, the CEO of Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
However, the scheme received mixed reactions from the assembly and was ultimately deemed unacceptable by several members. Key provisions of the clubs' proposal included an annual grant of Rs 10 crore to the AIFF, the right to operate and manage the league, and a commitment to start the competition within 45 days of a formal handover of rights.
Strong objections were recorded. Executive Committee Member Avijit Paul termed the provisions 'unacceptable'. Official objection letters from Paul, Valanka Alemao, and East Bengal FC Director Debabrata Sarkar were placed on record during the meeting.
Formation of Committees to Seek Resolution
In response to the deadlock, the AIFF has decided to form two separate three-member committees to engage with the clubs. For the ISL, a committee comprising Kerala Football Association President Navas Meeran, Goa state unit chief Caitano Fernandes, and Indian Football Association Secretary Anirban Datta will hold talks. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan will serve as an ex-officio member.
This panel is scheduled to hold discussions with representatives from five clubs – Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi Sporting Club, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant – between December 22 and 29. The federation stated the committee's objective is to reach an agreement that strictly adheres to the AIFF Constitution as laid out by the Supreme Court of India.
A separate committee has also been formed to address concerns from I-League clubs. This group includes Andhra Pradesh Football Association President Kotagiri Sridhar, Mizoram Football Association Secretary Lalrengpuia, and Punjab Football Association Secretary Harjinder Singh.
Deepening Crisis and Potential FIFA Consultation
The root of the crisis lies in the failure to finalize a new agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which has been responsible for conducting the ISL. The previous agreement expired on December 8, and with no new deal in place, the current domestic club football season has yet to begin.
The AIFF has indicated that if necessary, it will consult with global and continental governing bodies, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), to review how similar league ownership and management situations have been handled in other countries. This step underscores the complexity and national significance of the impasse.
The rejection of the club-owned model proposal leaves Indian football at a critical juncture. The newly formed committees now carry the responsibility of bridging the gap between the federation's regulatory vision and the clubs' desire for greater operational control, with the urgent goal of restarting the football season.
