AIFF issues deadline ultimatum to ISL clubs as Indian Football crisis deepens

AIFF sets a January 1 deadline for ISL clubs to confirm participation.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally sought clarity from Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on their participation and competition format for the 2025–26 season. In a letter dated December 31, the federation set January 1 as a firm deadline, underlining the urgency of the situation.

The communication followed multiple coordination meetings between AIFF officials and ISL clubs over the past week. Importantly, the federation made it clear that it needs final clarity before approaching the Asian Football Confederation for a one-time relaxation of mandatory competition requirements.

Moreover, the timing adds pressure. AIFF must submit a detailed update to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports by January 2. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to resume hearings from January 5. Therefore, indecision is no longer an option.

“AIFF is required to submit the outcome of these meetings to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before 2nd January, 2026. Further, the Hon’ble Supreme Court is scheduled to resume after vacation on 5th January 2026, and all stakeholders may be required to file relevant documents in accordance with legal advice.

In this regard, you are requested to kindly confirm the participation of your respective clubs and the proposed competition format, enabling AIFF to formally communicate with the Asian Football Confederation, including the actual number of matches to be played in the tournament for the 2025–26 season. Considering the urgency of the matter, it would be highly appreciated if the above confirmation is received by tomorrow, i.e., 1st January 2026,” the letter read.

Centralised format sparks financial unease

Indian Football clubs were already uneasy even before the deadline arrived. During a virtual meeting on December 30, AIFF disclosed that hosting just the Goa leg of the ISL could cost ₹42 crore. That estimate includes production and broadcast expenses.

However, discussions around the Kolkata leg remain unresolved. Consequently, several club owners now fear the combined expenditure could rise beyond ₹60 crore. That figure nearly exhausts AIFF’s projected ₹70 crore operational budget for the first year of its proposed 20-year league structure.

Naturally, the numbers triggered alarm. Clubs believe a centralised season should cost between ₹35–40 crore. Therefore, the current projections feel excessive. The absence of a confirmed commercial partner has only worsened the uncertainty.

Additionally, AIFF indicated that each club may need to contribute around ₹2.5 crore. This proposal has met resistance. Owners are already cutting budgets. Hence, the risk of withdrawals has increased.

At present, Jamshedpur FC remain the only club to confirm participation regardless of format. In contrast, Odisha FC have warned they may opt out if asked to share costs without guaranteed commercial backing.

AFC clarity now central to AIFF’s next move

Beyond finances, regulatory uncertainty continues to loom large over Indian Football. The AFC has yet to issue formal guidance. Still, its existing rules remain clear.

Clubs must play a minimum of 24 matches. The season must run for eight months. A home-and-away format is mandatory. None of these conditions are realistically achievable before the May 31 deadline.

Under the conference-style model currently discussed, teams would play just 15 matches. That shortfall could threaten India’s continental slots. As a result, ISL clubs have urged AIFF to seek a one-time exemption from the AFC.

The December 31 letter reflects that urgency. AIFF has now asked clubs to confirm participation and format preferences so it can formally approach the AFC with precise match numbers. In effect, the federation has placed the responsibility back on the clubs.

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