The 10 Indian Super League clubs have jointly expressed serious concern over the delay in the All India Football Federation’s tender process for appointing a new commercial partner, a process that was supposed to be completed by October 15, 2025, as per the commitment made to the Supreme Court.
In a strongly-worded letter, addressed to the AIFF, the clubs highlighted that despite the Supreme Court’s directions, and a joint submission by the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited, no tender document has been released. In addition to it, there hasn’t been any official communication on the next steps.
The letter, titled “Collective Concern Over Delay in Tender Process,” stated that the lack of transparency and communication has caused “further erosion of confidence” among clubs and other stakeholders.
While the Super Cup is scheduled to be held later this month in Goa, and clubs have agreed to participate in good faith, the letter pointed out that several logistical and contractual commitments, including player signings, venue bookings, and staff engagements had already been made based on the AIFF’s assurance that the tender process would be completed on time.
“It is very evident that we are yet to even begin the process, let alone complete it,” the statement read. The clubs said that financial planning, sponsorship discussions, and player contracts have all been affected by the ongoing uncertainty.
The joint statement further warned that the goodwill shown by the clubs “cannot continue to be taken for granted,” adding that the delay represents a “breach of trust” that could undo the progress made in professionalising Indian football over the last decade.
The clubs have urged the AIFF to urgently clarify two key points:
- The current status of the tender process and when it will be released.
- The proposed timeline for completing the selection.
The letter concluded with a note of disappointment that such a communication had to be written again, underlining the clubs’ demand for “accountability and transparency” in football governance.