ISL Clubs Seek Clarity on Long-Term League Framework Amid Ongoing AIFF Dispute

Top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, including reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have expressed willingness to help organise the league in the short term but stressed the need for a long-term, clearly defined framework before committing fully. The move comes amid ongoing legal and administrative uncertainty surrounding the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the operation of India’s top football league.

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Clubs to Liaise With AIFF in Delhi

Officials from four clubs – Delhi FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC, and Chennaiyin FC – will travel to Delhi next week to work closely with the AIFF on a fresh proposal for running the current season. The officials, representing different regions of the country, aim to ensure the season proceeds while awaiting clarity on governance and commercial rights.

The clubs had previously suggested forming a consortium to jointly organise the league, contingent on amendments to the AIFF constitution and the transfer of commercial rights. However, the new constitution, recently approved by the Supreme Court, mandates that the top-tier league must be owned and operated by the federation, making immediate changes unlikely.

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Supreme Court Directions Pending

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey explained that the federation is still awaiting guidance from the Supreme Court. Justice Nageswara Rao, chairman of the bid evaluation committee, had submitted a report highlighting why the federation’s bid for commercial rights failed to attract interest.

“Justice Rao has said there has to be a structured balance between the AIFF’s authority and the interests of commercial partners. The Court’s judgement is still awaited. This cannot happen overnight, and constitutional amendments at the upcoming AGM are unlikely,” Chaubey said. The general body requires a 75% majority to amend any clause, complicating the timeline further.

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Short-Term Participation vs Long-Term Certainty

While most clubs are ready to organise a truncated league—likely starting in February and possibly held at select venues—they emphasised that any short-term solution must fit within a long-term roadmap. Officials noted that the uncertainty around governance and commercial rights makes it challenging to start the season without a clear future plan.

Clubs also requested that AIFF seek exemptions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding its minimum requirement of 24 official matches, ensuring the champions remain eligible for continental competitions.

East Bengal remained the only club reluctant to take on organisational responsibilities, arguing that the federation should retain full ownership of the league. “We are willing to participate in all tournaments, but as far as owning the league is concerned, we are not in favour,” an official stated, while still supporting the call for a long-term solution.

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Implications for the Season

The ongoing uncertainty suggests that the 2025-26 ISL season may be truncated and delayed, underscoring the tension between clubs’ commercial interests and federation governance. Stakeholders are hopeful that the upcoming Delhi meetings will produce a workable solution that balances short-term operations with long-term clarity.