AIFF rejects ISL and I-League proposals, sets up committees to resolve top-tier league deadlock

AIFF pushes for the federation-owned league model.

Indian Football once again finds itself at a crossroads after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) formally rejected key proposals submitted by ISL and I-League clubs.

The decision, taken during the AIFF Annual General Meeting, has widened the debate around ownership, governance, and the operational framework of the country’s top-tier competition. However, at the same time, the federation has moved to open fresh dialogue by forming multiple committees to keep the league process alive.

AIFF have formed two committees to hold talks with ISL and I-League clubs. AIFF will own and operate the leagues. #IndianFootball @KhelNow

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) December 20, 2025

AIFF has made its position clear. It wants direct control. As a result, the federation confirmed that it will own and operate both leagues going forward, while continuing consultations with clubs to resolve immediate deadlocks. The leagues will also feature the much-debated promotion-relegation aspect at the top tier.

AIFF officials believe the submitted plans failed to align with long-term governance goals. Therefore, the federation rejected the joint roadmap on ownership and operational independence.

Official statement by AIFF

The All India Football Federation held its Executive Committee (ExCo) and Annual General Body (AGM) meetings on Saturday, December 20, 2025, both of which were chaired by Federation President Shri Kalyan Chaubey at Football House in New Delhi.

A proposal regarding the future of the ISL was submitted by 10 clubs and presented at the AGM by Mr. Vinay Chopra, CEO of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Due to mixed reactions from the assembly regarding the clubs’ request to manage the league in perpetuity, the Federation appointed a three-member committee to seek a resolution. This committee, consisting of Kerala Football Association President Mr. Navas Meeran, Goa Football Association President Mr. Caitano Fernandes, and Indian Football Association (West Bengal) Honourary Secretary Mr. Anirban Datta, along with AIFF Deputy Secretary General Mr. M. Satyanarayan as the ex-officio member, will hold discussions with representatives from five clubs, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi SC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan SG from December 22 to 29. Their objective is to reach an agreement that adheres to the AIFF Constitution laid out by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

The House also addressed a proposal from I-League clubs by forming a three-member committee. This committee includes Andhra Pradesh Football Association President Mr. Kotagiri Sridhar, Mizoram Football Association Honourary Secretary Mr. Lalrengpuia, and Punjab Football Association Honourary Secretary Mr. Harjinder Singh, who will work with the AIFF Deputy Secretary General to find a solution. 

If necessary, the AIFF will consult with FIFA and the AFC to review how similar situations in other nations were handled as precedents.

During these proceedings, the respective observers from FIFA and the AFC, Mr. Prince Rufus and Mr. Niren Mukherjee, advised that the AIFF Constitution remains the governing authority for these decisions.

Official objection letters from Executive Committee Members Mr. Avijit Paul and Ms. Valanka Alemao, along with East Bengal FC Director Mr. Debabrata Sarkar, who wrote on behalf of Emami East Bengal FC, were formally placed on record during the meeting. 

What did the ISL clubs suggest?

Indian Super League (ISL) clubs submitted a detailed consortium proposal to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The proposal seeks perpetual operational and commercial rights for India’s top-tier league, while keeping regulatory oversight firmly with the AIFF.

At the core of the plan is a shift toward a club-owned league model. The ISL clubs have proposed the creation of a dedicated league company that would run and commercially manage the competition in perpetuity, subject to compliance with AIFF, AFC, and FIFA regulations. While the clubs would collectively hold a permanent majority stake, the AIFF would retain a special share, along with a nominated director on the board, to safeguard sporting integrity and statutory compliance.

Under the proposal, the AIFF would not carry any commercial risk. Instead, it would oversee competition rules, club licensing, disciplinary frameworks, refereeing, and calendar alignment. The league company would control media, sponsorship, licensing, and digital rights and could induct a strategic partner, though voting control would always remain with the clubs.

To ease the transition, the ISL clubs have proposed waiving league rights fees for the 2025–26 season. From 2026–27 onward, they may collectively provide an annual ₹10 crore grant to the AIFF for grassroots, technical, and administrative development. The clubs have also committed to covering referee expenses and starting the season within 45 days of any formal handover, a move that could finally break the stalemate.

Also Read: ISL clubs submit consortium proposal to the AIFF and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

What did the I-League clubs propose?

Nine I-League clubs jointly approached AIFF and submitted a detailed blueprint for a new top-tier competition called the Indian Football Premier League (IFPL). The IFPL is envisioned as the highest level of competition, featuring up to 18 teams in a double round-robin format aligned with AFC standards and international windows.

Crucially, the proposal is backed by financial commitment rather than intent alone. The nine clubs have collectively offered ₹50 crore to the AIFF over a 15-year period. The proposed league would be run through an independent corporate entity, with all participating clubs holding equal shares and equal voting rights.

Major decisions would require a two-thirds majority, ensuring balance and institutional stability. Promotion and relegation would remain merit-based, with clearly defined licensing, financial, and infrastructure criteria communicated in advance.

While commercial rights would be centralised at the league level, the AIFF would retain full regulatory authority, including player registrations, competition rules, and compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.

AIFF’s next steps and committee structure

AIFF has now nominated state association presidents from Bengal, Goa, and Kerala. Starting December 22, they will hold talks with ISL clubs within seven days. The goal is simple. Find a solution. Announce the league start date.

Meanwhile, two separate committees will engage ISL and I-League clubs independently. Ultimately, the coming days will define the immediate future. While disagreements remain, structured dialogue offers a narrow but crucial path forward.

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