All 14 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have jointly written to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, flagging what they describe as “exceptional” operational and legal challenges threatening the smooth conduct of the current season. In the letter addressed to the Joint Secretary, the clubs have sought immediate relief measures — ranging from subsidised stadium access to waiver of broadcast-related charges — while also urging medium-term policy safeguards, including a temporary stay on relegation for three to five seasons.
The clubs said the communication follows discussions involving the Ministry, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL stakeholders, and has been submitted at the Ministry’s request to provide an updated position on the league. The note, they added, is intended to assist the Government in presenting a complete factual position before the Supreme Court through the Solicitor General.
Clubs agree to play despite “structural uncertainty”
In the letter, the clubs acknowledged that the ISL has, over the last decade, emerged as India’s top-tier professional football competition, drawing private investment and international expertise. However, they warned that the current season is being conducted in an environment of “structural uncertainty”, with no assured commercial revenues and rising financial exposure for participating teams.
Despite the concerns, the clubs stated they are willing to take part in the season to protect continuity, employment and the wider football ecosystem. But they underlined that participation may become financially unviable for several teams unless essential support mechanisms are put in place.
Lack of clarity on revenues, rising cost burden
The clubs pointed to the absence of certainty on central commercial inflows, broadcast-linked revenue streams and league-wide sponsorship support. At the same time, they said clubs are being required to bear a larger share of operational expenditure linked to match operations, travel, logistics and compliance.
The letter noted that many owners are absorbing these costs not because the season is commercially viable, but to prevent disruption to the sport’s professional structure.
Stadium access and match-day services a major concern
Among the most immediate challenges, the clubs highlighted access to stadiums and allied sporting infrastructure, most of which are government-owned or government-controlled. They said stadium rentals, utilities, pitch maintenance and match-day operational expenses have become increasingly burdensome, making it difficult for some clubs to host fixtures.
They also flagged mandatory expenses related to civic and security services required for professional matches, including police deployment, fire and emergency services, and other local administrative requirements.
To address this, the clubs requested the Ministry’s support in facilitating concessional, subsidised or waived access to stadiums and training facilities for the next three years. They also sought coordination with State Governments and local authorities to ensure essential match-day services are provided on concessional terms, along with timely venue availability to avoid scheduling disruptions.
Temporary easing of club licensing norms sought
While reiterating support for club licensing as a long-term governance framework, the clubs asked for a “pragmatic and relaxed approach” for the current season, describing it as truncated and exceptional.
They suggested that certain requirements — particularly those that are developmental or aspirational rather than essential to safety and competition integrity — be temporarily deferred. This includes deferring obligations linked to Club Development Programmes such as Baby Leagues where clubs are already part of organised youth structures, and relaxing certain staffing mandates such as additional specialised personnel, provided minimum technical and medical standards are met.
The clubs urged that enforcement for the season focus only on core criteria tied to player safety, medical care, competition integrity and regulatory compliance.
PSU sponsorship support proposed as interim relief
With uncertainty around central commercial partnerships, the clubs asked the Ministry to facilitate interim commercial support through Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), in line with applicable policies.
They said even limited PSU participation through sponsorships, branding or advertising would provide immediate financial relief, lend institutional credibility and offer breathing room to rebuild private partnerships over time.
Waiver of uplink and broadcast-related charges requested
The clubs also sought relief on uplink fees and other broadcast-related charges, describing live telecast as indispensable for fan engagement and national visibility. A waiver or substantial concession, they argued, would reduce costs for clubs and broadcasters and help ensure matches remain accessible to the public during a sensitive phase.
Push for stabilisation period, relegation stay for 3-5 years
Beyond immediate operational support, the clubs made a strong case for medium-term legal and policy stability. They referred to the Justice L. Nageswara Rao Committee report dated November 12, 2025, submitted under Supreme Court directions in matters concerning AIFF and ISL, which highlighted concerns around investor risk and structural uncertainty.
Citing heightened financial exposure and the absence of predictable operating conditions, the clubs proposed a stabilisation period of three to five years for the league to rebuild commercial confidence and restore balance.
They also sought a temporary stay on relegation during this period, starting from the current season. The clubs argued that the season is being conducted under compressed timelines and unequal conditions, making it difficult to claim full sporting parity across teams. They described the current campaign as akin to a “virtual force majeure” season and warned that imposing relegation in such circumstances could undermine sporting integrity and investor confidence.
A relegation freeze, they said, would help investors continue funding club operations during the transition, allow clubs to plan long-term and invest in development without existential risk, and give the revised structure time to achieve economic predictability.
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