Two formats, zero clarity: AIFF’s ISL proposals raise more questions than answers

The proposals come without budget clarity or broadcast details.

The three-member committee constituted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) held its first meeting with select representatives at the AIFF House in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the organisation of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season.

The seriousness of the exercise can be judged from the proposals themselves.

In fact, the AIFF’s proposals are so self-explanatory that we have decided not to interpret or analyse them. Instead, we are publishing them exactly as they were shared with the clubs.

Earlier today, Khel Now exclusively reported that City Football Group are set to pull out of Mumbai City FC, a development that underlines the depth of the crisis facing Indian football. Unfortunately, even as one of the world’s biggest football ownership groups prepares its exit, the apex body of Indian football appears unmoved by the gravity of the situation.

At this point, it is worth noting that this article contains more words than the proposals presented by the AIFF.

No budgetary framework was shared.No broadcast or media roadmap was discussed.No clarity was provided on commercial operations.

What was presented instead were two format options and AIFF said that they will share more information on broadcast and commercial revenue of the league in future.

Proposal 1 for ISL 2025-26

• Teams: 14 teams divided into East and West conferences (7 teams each).
• League Stage: Double leg matches within conferences (42 games per conference).
• Championship Round: Top 4 teams from each conference qualify. Single leg matches to decide the champions.
• Relegation Battle: Bottom 3 teams from each conference compete in single leg matches.
• Venues: Two centralized venues host all games.

Proposal 2 for ISL 2025-26

• Match Format: Single leg matches (Home/Away style).
• Total Games: 91 matches for 14 teams.
• Scheduling: Randomized matches.
• Distribution: Each team will get 6 or 7 Home/Away games.
• Champion: League Champion is the team with the most points

That was the extent of the discussion.

At a time when the league has no confirmed broadcaster, no central revenue, no commercial partner, and clubs are struggling to keep operations running, the AIFF’s engagement with stakeholders remains limited to formats on paper.

As Indian football continues to drift, proposals are being made, but leadership, clarity, and accountability remain conspicuously absent.

At a time when clubs are bleeding, investors are exiting, and players are unsure of their future, the federation has offered formats instead of answers. Indian football isn’t waiting for creativity, it is waiting for leadership.

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