AIFF Charts 21-Year Football Future with European Inspiration
The All India Football Federation has drawn up an ambitious roadmap for Indian football's next two decades. Federation officials have carefully studied the world's most successful leagues in Spain, Germany, and England to shape their vision.
New Governance Structure Takes Shape
AIFF has established two powerful bodies to oversee the Indian Super League and I-League. A governing council and management committee will now regulate and operate both competitions. The federation shared these new policies with all fourteen ISL clubs this week.
"This roadmap outlines how our top two leagues will be managed, administered, promoted, and developed over the next twenty-one years," explained AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. "We've examined global best practices from premier football leagues and plan to implement them here."
Committee Composition and Responsibilities
The proposed governing council will likely have twenty-two members. Stakeholders suggest the AIFF president should chair this highest supervisory body for the ISL. This council will include:
- Fourteen club owners
- Three AIFF office bearers
- Three nominated members from commercial partners
- Two independent partners without conflicts of interest
This council will convene annually, preferably three months before the league begins. It will make crucial decisions about finances and other significant matters.
Management Committee's Operational Role
The management committee will handle the league's smooth functioning under the AIFF secretary-general's leadership. This body will include:
- Chief executive officers from five ISL clubs
- Three members from commercial partners
- Three AIFF office bearers
The five club CEOs will include representatives from the previous season's winners and runners-up, plus three elected by the clubs. This committee will meet regularly during the league season to handle day-to-day operations.
Supporting Committees for Professional Management
Six additional committees will work beneath these main bodies to ensure professional league management. Their responsibilities will cover:
- Regulatory oversight for competition rules and disciplinary frameworks
- Integrity matters and compliance monitoring
- Supervision of committee performances
- Strategic alignment with AIFF's football development goals
- Implementation of international best practices
- Ensuring fairness and transparency across operations
All regulations will follow existing AIFF, Asian Football Confederation, and FIFA guidelines.
AFC Slot Uncertainty Remains
Meanwhile, AIFF continues waiting for the Asian Football Confederation's decision regarding ISL clubs' continental slots. This season's shortened schedule presents a challenge, with teams playing only thirteen matches instead of the required twenty-four.
"We've already written to them, and now AFC must decide," Chaubey stated about the eligibility question.
The federation conducted thorough research before creating these new policies. "We examined how top football leagues operate globally and followed their structural models," Chaubey emphasized about their preparation process.
Commercial rights partners will have three seats in each committee under the new charter. This governance overhaul represents Indian football's most significant administrative restructuring in recent years, aiming to bring international standards to domestic competitions.
