The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has put forward a landmark proposal to reshape the future of the Indian Super League (ISL). In a significant move, the national body plans to assume ownership and operational control of the country's premier football competition for the next two decades, aligning with its new constitution.
A New Era of Governance and Competition
This proposal, formulated after crucial discussions with ISL club representatives, introduces a transformative element: a promotion and relegation system set to be implemented from the upcoming season. The AIFF has formally sent the blueprint to the clubs and is now awaiting their feedback, which is expected within the next few days. An AIFF source indicated that the federation is open to dialogue, stating they will seek a solution after hearing the clubs' responses.
To finalize the arrangement, two more rounds of meetings are scheduled for Sunday and Monday. If the negotiations proceed smoothly, the next ISL season could kick off in the first week of February, marking a shift in the traditional calendar. Each season will now be calculated from June 1 to May 31 of the following year.
Financial Framework and Club Contributions
The proposed financial model is detailed and aims for centralized efficiency. A predetermined 'Central Operational Budget' will be established annually, funded by yearly contributions from all revenue shareholders proportionate to their stake. This fund, termed 'League Membership Contribution', will cover all league operational expenses, club licensing compliance costs, and prize money distribution.
Governance will be overseen by a dedicated Board empowered by the AIFF general body. This Board will have operational autonomy over the league's commercial matters, though its jurisdiction is limited to utilizing unrestricted funds within the earmarked yearly budget.
Under the new terms, each club will pay the AIFF a standard participating fee of Rs 1 crore at each season's start. This fee is independent of the central operational expenditure and will be fully reimbursed from the central revenue before the distribution of 'Net Revenue'. The total participation fee from all clubs will constitute 20% of the league's central operational budget. This fee would increase proportionally if the Board decides to raise the central budget by 10% in the future.
Any profit or savings from the operational budget will be distributed equally among all revenue shareholders according to their respective revenue shares.
Revenue Sharing and the Road Ahead
The financial outlay for the first season under this model is projected at Rs 70 crore. The revenue sharing is proposed as follows:
- AIFF's share: 10% (Rs 7 crore)
- Clubs' collective share: 50% (Rs 35 crore)
- Reserved for a potential commercial partner: 30% (Rs 21 crore)
This proposal comes after a previous bid by ten ISL clubs for perpetual operational and commercial ownership was rejected by the AIFF's General Body on December 20. Following that, an AIFF panel held discussions with five clubs—Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi Sporting Club, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant—between December 22 and 29.
Interestingly, while a 30% revenue share is reserved for a commercial partner, the AIFF has yet to secure one after a tender process supervised by a Supreme Court-appointed committee did not receive any bids. However, sources suggest that with a potentially reduced number of matches this season, the league could be run with a central operating budget lower than the proposed Rs 70 crore.
The coming days are critical as club feedback will determine whether this new chapter for Indian football's top flight becomes a reality.
