AIFF responds to ISL clubs' consortium proposal as MRA crisis deepens

AIFF Deputy Secretary General addresses concerns of ISL clubs before AGM amid league uncertainty.

On December 10, All India Football Federation (AIFF) Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan wrote back to the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs regarding their letter dated November 5.

His response came at a difficult time for Indian Football, especially with the MRA no longer in place and the league drifting without a clear commercial roadmap. He acknowledged the clubs’ worries and said the situation now called for quick conversations and practical steps to steady things.

“We assure you that the AIFF will take all necessary steps, strictly in accordance with the Constitution and by following the direction of Supreme Court, to address the concerns raised by you and the prospective bidders. At the same time, we believe that a comprehensive solution cannot be achieved overnight,” the letter read.

AIFF pushes for urgent discussions with clubs

Satyanarayan said some of the 12 points raised by the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs in their December 5 communication carried contradictions or remained stuck in legal proceedings. Yet, he still asked the clubs to move forward together. He argued that Indian Football had benefited from joint investments over the past decade, and therefore, time lost now would only deepen the damage.

“we request you to work towards finding a possible solution. It goes without saying that over the last 10–15 years, the marketing partner and clubs have jointly made significant investments and footballs to bring meaningful changes to Indian club football.

To safeguard these investments, it is necessary that we work on a war footing to minimise any loss of time. We agree that a long-term solution is needed. However, football must not lose its continuity, and therefore, the league should commence at the earliest,” the letter said.

Moreover, he assured the clubs that the federation would strictly follow the Constitution and Supreme Court directions while addressing their concerns. However, he reminded them that a comprehensive solution needed deliberation at both the Executive Committee and the upcoming AGM on December 20.

He added that both sides had earlier discussed the idea of jointly organising the league. But he pointed out that the pending Supreme Court judgment on the interim application had slowed the process and delayed any concrete decision. Therefore, he proposed an urgent virtual meeting between AIFF officials and club representatives so that the federation could table a structured proposal at the AGM.

Also Read: ISL clubs urge AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey to act swiftly as MRA expiration nears

Consortium-led league model gets cautious support from AIFF

The ISL clubs had suggested forming a majority-owned consortium if the next tender failed. They argued that such a model aligned with global practice and would also protect long-term investments.

“Furthermore, should the revised tender not result in a suitable commercial partner, we respectfully request that the AIFF consider a framework under which the ISL Clubs may collectively form a consortium to own/operate the league (as majority owners), alongside the Federation and aligned commercial/broadcast/private investors.

Such an approach is consistent with global best practices and reflective of the long-term commitment of the Clubs to Indian football” , the letter from the ISL clubs read.

Satyanarayan acknowledged Point 12 of the clubs’ letter, which mentioned the consortium idea. He said the AIFF was open to exploring that framework, but it required internal approval and constitutional compliance. He also stated that any decision must follow due process at the EXCO and AGM.

“In this regard, we can explore Point No. 12 mentioned in your email dated 5th December 2025, which states that “the AIFF consider a framework under which the ISL clubs may collectively form a consortium…”.

For this, we need to discuss the matter and seek approval in the AIFF EXCO and the AIFF AGM scheduled on 20th December 2025. We recall that when we met on 12th and 18th November 2025, we also discussed the possibility of organizing this league jointly.

We had expected that by 19th or 20th November 2025 we would receive a judgment on the IA filed by the ISL clubs, but as we sit here on 10th December 2025, nothing has changed.

Therefore, I suggest that a conference/virtual call may be arranged at the earliest between the undersigned and the club representatives to work towards a mutually agreeable solution so that AIFF can include this proposal in the agenda points of AIFF AGM to be held on 20th December 2025,” his reply read.

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