In a significant development for Indian football, the clubs of the Indian Super League (ISL) have formally reached out to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), demanding urgent clarity on the immediate and long-term future of the country's premier football competition. This move comes against a backdrop of uncertainty that has stalled planning for the 2025-26 season.
A League in Limbo: The Contractual Impasse
The core of the crisis lies in the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and the league's former organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), in December 2025. Disagreements over renewing this pivotal contract led to the 2025-26 ISL season being put on hold in July. The deadlock was so severe it required intervention from India's highest judicial body.
Following the Supreme Court's involvement, a committee appointed by the court oversaw a tender process for the ISL's commercial rights. However, in a major setback, the tender found no takers, leaving the league's commercial future in further doubt and amplifying the need for a definitive path forward.
The Clubs' Formal Appeal for a Roadmap
The letter, sent on behalf of all ISL clubs by Mohun Bagan Super Giant CEO Vinay Chopra, outlines a clear request for structured dialogue with the federation. The clubs have asked for the upcoming key meeting to begin with a comprehensive briefing on AIFF's long-term vision for the ISL, followed by a discussion on short-term plans.
"We would find it very helpful if the meeting could begin with a comprehensive briefing on this long-term roadmap. Following that, it would be useful for the clubs to be taken through the short-term plan," the clubs stated, emphasising their desire for constructive feedback.
Notably, the clubs reiterated their belief in a proposal they submitted earlier for perpetual operational and commercial ownership of the top-tier league. This proposal, from 10 ISL clubs, failed to get approval from the AIFF's General Body on December 20, which instead formed a committee to examine the matter.
Seeking Specifics on Short-Term Plans
While expressing a positive stance towards participating in a short-term league solution, the clubs highlighted several areas requiring detailed clarification from the AIFF. Their letter specifically seeks more information on:
- The proposed revenue model and broadcast arrangements.
- A clear view of the cost structure for the short term.
- Clarity on how these costs are to be allocated and who is expected to bear them.
"Once these details are available, we will be better placed to review them and engage in further discussions," the letter added, underlining that any short-term plan must be aligned with a clear long-term strategy rather than being an isolated arrangement.
Path to Resolution: The AIFF Committee's Task
In response to the ongoing situation, the AIFF has tasked a panel with holding discussions with representatives from five specific clubs: Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi Sporting Club, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. These talks are scheduled to take place between December 22 and 29.
The outcome of these discussions and the broader meeting sought by the clubs will be crucial in determining the structure, stability, and commercial viability of the Indian Super League as it navigates one of its most challenging phases since inception.
