A majority of Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have formally submitted a detailed proposal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), seeking perpetual rights to operate and manage India’s top-tier professional football league through a club-owned structure.
The proposal, dated December 19, 2025, has been addressed jointly to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the AIFF, and is expected to be placed before the AIFF General Body Meeting on December 20. Sources confirmed that nine ISL clubs have signed the letter, while East Bengal FC has not endorsed the proposal.
This development follows AIFF’s directive asking ISL clubs to submit their proposals within 24 hours, while clarifying that amendments to the AIFF Constitution cannot be implemented before the Sports Code is enforced. AIFF has also indicated that the clubs’ consortium proposal will be discussed at the upcoming AGM.
Key proposal: club-owned league with AIFF oversight
Under the proposal, the ISL clubs have requested AIFF to grant perpetual rights to operate and commercially exploit the top-tier league through a dedicated League Company. The clubs have proposed that they collectively hold a permanent majority stake in the company, while AIFF retains a special share to safeguard sporting integrity, regulatory control and statutory compliance.
AIFF would also have the perpetual right to nominate one director to the League Company’s board. While the clubs would be allowed to induct a commercial or strategic partner, majority ownership and voting control would always remain with the clubs.
AIFF’s role limited to regulation
The clubs have proposed that AIFF focus exclusively on regulatory and governance responsibilities, including competition rules, refereeing, club licensing, disciplinary matters and calendar alignment. Under the proposed structure, AIFF would not bear any commercial or operational risk.
Day-to-day operations, commercial rights, sponsorships, broadcast deals and financial management would be handled entirely by the League Company, managed by the clubs.
₹10 crore annual grant to AIFF from 2026–27
One of the most significant elements of the proposal is the financial commitment to AIFF.
For the 2025–26 season, the clubs have proposed that the league rights fee payable to AIFF be nil, citing transitional circumstances and the need to ensure continuity of the competition.
However, from the 2026–27 season onwards, the clubs have stated that they may collectively pay AIFF an annual grant of ₹10 crore, irrespective of whether a commercial partner is inducted. The funds would be earmarked for:
- Grassroots and youth development
- Referee, coach and technical development
- AIFF’s administrative and governance expenses
The clubs have also committed to fully reimbursing all referee and match official costs related to the league.
Season continuity and legal process
The clubs have assured that they will make every effort to avoid disruption to Indian football and aim to commence the league within 45 days of formal handover, subject to requisite approvals.
Acknowledging that certain aspects may require constitutional amendments currently before the Supreme Court of India, the clubs have sought AIFF’s cooperation, with support from the Sports Ministry, to place the rationale for reform before the court.
A joint working group comprising AIFF, the Ministry and the clubs has been proposed to address legal, regulatory and transitional issues.
The proposal marks a decisive moment for Indian football, as ISL clubs push for greater ownership, accountability and long-term stability in the country’s premier league.
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