In a significant move aimed at resolving the commercial structure of India's top football league, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has asked Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to formally propose a consortium model to operate the 2025-26 season. The directive came during a virtual meeting on Thursday involving AIFF officials, club representatives, and the Sports Ministry.
Deadline Set for Consortium Proposal
The clubs have been given a tight deadline, instructed to submit their detailed proposal by Friday evening. This proposal is intended to be a key point of discussion at the AIFF's Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for December 20. However, officials have tempered expectations, noting there is no guarantee the model will be approved.
"Regarding the consortium thing, the clubs have been told to submit to the ministry their proposal so that it can be discussed during the Dec 20 AGM. But there is no guarantee," a club representative confirmed to PTI.
Constitutional Hurdles and Legal Changes
The push for a club-run consortium comes at a critical juncture. The Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which has organised the ISL since its inception in 2014, officially ended on December 8. This has left the premier league without a commercial framework for the future.
Compounding the situation, the AIFF informed clubs that under its new constitution, any amendments require the formation of a General Body as per the new rules first. Furthermore, an impending National Sports Grievance Act could introduce additional changes. "It could be hotchpotch also since the new National Sports Grievance Act is likely to be implemented shortly. So there can be changes under the Act also," a source familiar with the developments stated.
Sponsorship Woes for Women's League
In related news highlighting the commercial challenges in Indian football, the upcoming Indian Women's League (IWL) is set to begin on December 20 without a title sponsor. The AIFF and Capri Sports, the sole bidder for the commercial rights of the IWL's first and second divisions for a five-year term, failed to reach an agreement.
The idea of a consortium was initially suggested by the clubs themselves as a potential solution to the ongoing commercial deadlock. The AIFF has acknowledged that adopting such a model would require thorough deliberations and formal approval from both its Executive Committee and the broader AGM.
All ISL club representatives are expected to attend the AIFF's Annual General Meeting this Saturday, where these pressing issues will be further debated on the sidelines.
