AIFF Ex-Co members flag ‘breach of trust’ in Deputy General Secretary's response to ISL clubs' consortium proposal

AIFF Executive Committee members Avijit Paul, Valenka Alemao expressed disappointment following recent developments.

Tensions within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) escalated this week after Executive Committee (ExCo) member Avijit Paul issued a strongly worded letter criticising AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan for replying to Indian Super League clubs regarding their recent consortium proposal.

The exchange, which surfaced through media reports and was later confirmed in official correspondence, has deepened internal conflict within the federation over governance practices and administrative protocol.

“Various media reports on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, suggest that you have written a letter to the CEOs of all the ISL clubs virtually endorsing one of their proposals that the AIFF should consider a framework under which the ISL clubs may collectively form a consortium and run the premier division league of the country.

While you have rightly pointed out that any such proposal cannot be accepted without the consent of the AIFF Executive Committee and the General Body, I truly wonder what prompted you to write this very letter inviting the clubs for a meeting without the permission of the Exco,” the letter read.

The dispute centres on a proposal submitted by ISL clubs on December 5, 2025, calling for the formation of a collective consortium to run India’s premier football league, a move that would mark a significant shift in league governance by giving club stakeholders a more direct role in operational control.

According to Khel Now reports, Satyanarayan replied to the clubs’ CEOs acknowledging receipt of the proposal and inviting them for a meeting, while noting that any final approval would rest with the Executive Committee and the General Body.

Sharing their big achievement with pride! #IndianFootball https://t.co/s2Kxmce7Os

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) December 10, 2025

AIFF feels undercut following recent developments

In his letter dated December 11, 2025, Paul expressed “massive pain” over what he described as Satyanarayan’s unilateral decision to engage with the ISL clubs without ExCo authorisation. He said the move constituted a serious breach of established procedure, particularly as the matter directly affects the “long-time financial health of the AIFF.” He underscored that commercial and sponsorship revenues tied to the top-tier league form a critical part of the federation’s financial stability.

“I should also like to remind you that in this case, the issue is highly sensitive in nature and is related to the long-time financial health of the AIFF.

We all know the country’s premier league attracts considerably big sponsorship and revenue that plays a big role in running the federation.

It is hugely disappointing to know that you have decided to jump the gun and enter into a dialogue in this regard by keeping Exco and the General Body in the complete dark,” it added

ALSO READ: ISL clubs slam AIFF, demand constitutional fixes before taking charge of the league

Paul’s letter also highlighted broader administrative concerns, alleging persistent inefficiencies in the AIFF Secretariat. He criticised the delayed circulation of Executive Committee meeting minutes, noting that only draft versions for six meetings had been shared after repeated reminders. According to him, several drafts contained alterations that “changed the perspective and views” of members, including omissions relating to national team coaching discussions.

“I am deeply sorry to say that I feel there is a certain amount of breach of trust from your end despite our high expectations,” the letter concluded.

Alemao’s letter reinforces constitutional concerns

The tension deepened with an additional letter sent by ExCo member and Women’s Committee Chairperson Valanka Alemao. In her communication, Alemao alleged that Satyanarayan had “provided certain proposals” to ISL clubs without ExCo knowledge or sanction.

She cited Chapter I, Article 1.50 of the AIFF Constitution, which mandates that the “seniormost top division league” must be owned, operated, recognised and directly managed by the AIFF while complying with AFC guidelines.

Alemao argued that no private entity can be permitted to organise the national top-tier league, questioning how the federation could even “explore the possibility” of an ISL-led consortium under existing statutes. She further warned that offering “false assurances” to the clubs could undermine the AIFF’s credibility with the Supreme Court, central government and broader footballing stakeholders at a moment when domestic competitions have stalled. Her letter demanded a formal explanation for actions she said violated constitutional boundaries.

“It has come to my notice that you have been corresponding with ISL clubs and or their representatives and that you are providing certain proposals to them without the knowledge of all the EC Members and without known authorisation. Making policy decisions does not fall in your domain. Your duty is to implement policies and programmes as decided by the Executive Committee.

I would like to draw your attention to the Constitutional provision that you are in breach of by your so-called proposals. The Executive Committee needs an explanation from you regarding your intentions in trying to provide avenues which breach Constitutional provisions,” her email read.

ALSO READ: ISL clubs slam AIFF, demand constitutional fixes before taking charge of the league

ISL clubs continue to seek clarity

As reported earlier by Khel Now, ISL clubs had sought clarity and greater involvement in shaping the league’s future, prompting their consortium suggestion. In response, the AIFF clarified that no structural change would proceed without rigorous evaluation and compliance with constitutional processes.

“The expiry of the Master Rights Agreement has resulted in the total cessation of central revenue. Clubs continue to bear contractual and operational burdens—player/staff salaries, potential stadium arrangements, grassroots commitments, academy operations—without any income streams. This is no longer a commercial strain; it is a commercial impossibility,” the letter said.

As AIFF prepares for upcoming strategic and financial decisions, the confrontation exposes a growing divide between administrative leadership and elected committee members. With ISL clubs seeking a greater role in league governance and the federation grappling with internal discord, the path forward appears increasingly fraught. Whether the latest dispute prompts structural reforms or deepens existing fractures remains to be seen.

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