AIFF invite inputs from ISL & I-League clubs' CEOs amid crisis following failed tender process

AIFF holds emergency meetings with stakeholders ahead of the Supreme Court procedure.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has called an urgent meeting with Indian Super League (ISL) club CEOs to discuss the growing uncertainty surrounding the league’s future. The meeting, scheduled for 7:00 PM on November 12, 2025, will focus on collecting views and suggestions from the clubs on potential alternate plans for managing and organising the ISL. It will be followed by a meeting with the I-League club CEOs.

In a letter addressed to the Indian Super League (ISL) club executives, AIFF stated that Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao is expected to submit his report to the Supreme Court regarding the Request for Qualification (RFQ) process, prepared by KPMG, for selecting a commercial partner to handle the federation’s commercial rights.

“We seek your valuable views and suggestions during a Zoom call at 7 PM today,” the federation wrote to the club CEOs.

The letter further mentioned that once the report is submitted, the Supreme Court may seek clarification on whether AIFF has any alternate roadmap for running the ISL in line with its constitution.

In addition to the meeting with club officials, the AIFF will also consult its Executive Committee (ExCo) members at 5:00 PM on the same day to explore broader administrative solutions and ensure the smooth continuation of Indian football’s top-tier competition. The federation will also meet the ISL club captain at 6 PM after the players released a joint statement demanding a resolution.

Uncertainty grows over Indian Super League’s future

The ongoing crisis has left the Indian Super League in turmoil, with several clubs, including Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan, suspending operations. When the league launched in 2014, it was hailed as a turning point for Indian football. However, more than a decade later, the tournament is struggling to stay financially viable.

The tender failure, which saw four potential bidders back out before the submission deadline, has raised serious questions about the league’s sustainability. AIFF had set a minimum annual guarantee of ₹37.5 crore, a figure that many potential investors deemed unfeasible.

As a result, the federation remains without a commercial partner to manage broadcasting and sponsorship rights. Meanwhile, both the I-League and Indian Women’s League await final calendars and sponsors. The collapse of the tender reflects long-standing issues in Indian football, a franchise-driven model that emphasised spectacle over long-term structure and youth development.

Also Read: Commercial unviability of AIFF tender repels FSDL from bidding for commercial rights

“India needs its competitive football,” say ISL players

As uncertainty deepens, footballers in India have united to voice their frustration. Prominent names such as Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Ryan Williams, and Nikhil Poojary jointly issued a statement urging immediate action to restart the ISL season.

“We, professional footballers who play in the Indian Super League, are coming together to make a plea, and more importantly, to send the message that we stand united in our efforts to get the Indian Super League season underway. To put it simply, we want to play, and now,” read the statement.

The players expressed how their earlier feelings of anger and disappointment have now turned into sheer desperation to return to the field. They highlighted how the prolonged uncertainty has deeply affected them both emotionally and professionally.

The footballers collectively urged all stakeholders to act without delay and find a resolution to the ongoing crisis. They stressed that Indian football urgently needs a structured and competitive season to restore normalcy. At the same time, they are hoping for clarity and direction from those managing the game.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.