AIFF Ex-Co member raises objection to ISL clubs' consortium proposal

Eyes on the AIFF AGM on the 20th as Indian football’s crisis deepens.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee member Avijit Paul has written to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey strongly opposing the consortium proposal submitted by Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Friday. Paul calls the proposal as “unacceptable” and an attempt to undermine the authority of Indian football’s top governing body.

In his letter, Paul responded to the joint communication sent by a majority of ISL clubs to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which proposed granting perpetual rights to a club-owned company to operate India’s top-tier professional league under its regulatory oversight. The AIFF Executive Committee member said the proposal conflicts with its Constitution and ongoing legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.

ExCo Member believes top-tier league belongs to AIFF

Paul asserted that the top-tier league is the property of the AIFF and must be owned and conducted by the federation in line with its recently finalized constitution, which was approved by the Supreme Court and adopted by the AIFF General Body.

He stated, “Since the matter being sub judice, we have no right at the moment to take a different stand.” Paul emphasized that any move to transfer perpetual rights would be legally and constitutionally improper. He also questioned the intent behind the clubs’ proposal, suggesting it reflected a perception that the top body lacked the capacity to manage the sport.

Concerns over stability and authority

While acknowledging the financial contributions and efforts of newer clubs, Paul expressed concern about their long-term stability. He pointed out that several ISL clubs have struggled in the past decade, frequently changing ownership, venues and even names to survive at the top level.

Paul states, “To allow them to run the top league of the country without the AIFF having any authority would be risky and may upset the entire footballing ecosystem.” He also warns that such a structure could destabilize Indian football rather than strengthen it.

Call for AIFF-led solution

In his letter, Paul urged Chaubey to make a clear announcement at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, reaffirming that leagues in the ongoing season will be conducted under the aegis of the apex footballing body. He proposed the formation of a committee to assess the situation and initiate the league or leagues within the federation’s permitted budget, timelines and practical constraints.

Paul said it should be up to clubs to accept the AIFF’s framework, expressing confidence that a majority would support a system “solely run by Indian football’s parent body.” The letter adds to growing tensions between the AIFF and ISL clubs as Indian football navigates a critical phase of governance reform and league restructuring.

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