I-League clubs propose 18-team top-tier league (IFPL) model to AIFF

Nine clubs approach AIFF with Indian Football Premier League blueprint and centralised commercial rights plan.

Nine I-League clubs (namely Aizawl FC, Chanmari FC, Dempo SC, Namdhari FC, Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Sreenidi Deccan FC and Gokulam Kerala FC) have jointly submitted a detailed proposal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), calling for a complete league revamp.

At the heart of the plan sits a new top-tier competition named the Indian Football Premier League (IFPL), designed to replace the existing hierarchy and restore long-term stability.

Importantly, the clubs have also attached financial commitment to their vision. Collectively, they are willing to contribute ₹50 crore to AIFF over a 15-year cycle, signalling serious intent rather than symbolic support.

I-League clubs have submitted a proposal to revamp Indian football leagues. They want to create the Indian Football Premier League (IFPL) as the top tier with 18 teams, and are ready to give ₹50 crore in total to AIFF for 15 years.More to follow. #IndianFootball @KhelNow

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

In their submission, the clubs state that Indian Football needs collaboration, not fragmentation. They underline that the IFPL is not designed to weaken existing stakeholders but to strengthen the entire ecosystem.

They also reiterate that their financial offer reflects trust in a shared future. According to the proposal, reforms must prioritise clubs, players, and fans equally, while ensuring AIFF retains regulatory oversight.

Proposed Indian Football Premier League structure explained

The proposal outlines the IFPL as the highest level of Indian Football. It would feature 18 teams, making it larger than the current top-tier format. According to the clubs, this structure allows broader representation while maintaining competitive balance.

Moreover, the IFPL is positioned as a long-term solution. Instead of frequent reforms, the clubs want a stable league that can grow commercially and technically over time.

“In light of the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) under which the Indian Super League was previously operated, and in the absence of a renewed arrangement conferring exclusive top-tier status, the AIFF-governed national professional league (the I-League / IEPL) is proposed to be recognised as the Tier 1 league of Indian football for the purposes of domestic competition structure and AFC/FIFA alignment,” said clubs in their letter.

The league shall be implemented through a phased participation model, commencing with eligible licensed clubs and providing for structured expansion to up to eighteen (18) clubs, subject to predefined sporting, financial, and infrastructure criteria, and shall be conducted in a double round-robin competition format (home and away), with the season calendar aligned to AFC standards and international windows,” the proposal read.

₹50 crore support package to AIFF over 15 years

In addition, the I-League clubs have offered direct financial backing to AIFF. They are prepared to contribute a combined ₹50 crore to AIFF across 15 years. This funding is intended for national team programs, Referee development, Women’s football, grassroots and youth development, Infrastructure and capacity building.

• Years 1-5: ₹2.75 Crores per annum
• Years 6-10: ₹3.25 Crores per annum
• Years 11-15: ₹4.00 Crores per annum
• Total Guaranteed Amount for 15 years: ₹50.00 Crores

As a result, the proposal shifts responsibility from federation-only funding to shared ownership. The clubs argue this model ensures accountability while also protecting Indian football from sudden commercial collapses.

Promotion, stability, and long-term planning at the core

The proposal stresses the need for predictable pathways. Therefore, the clubs have highlighted promotion and relegation clarity, fixed calendars, and sustainable licensing rules.

“Promotion into the league shall be merit-based and subject to compliance with pre-declared sporting, licensing, financial, and infrastructure requirements, which shall be communicated in advance to all clubs competing in the league immediately below. This framework is intended to provide clarity and predictability to all stakeholders, ensuring that clubs are aware, prior to the commencement of each season, of the conditions required for confirmation of promotion,” clubs have said on promotion in their propsal.

Furthermore, they believe uncertainty has stalled investment. By locking in a long-term league framework, clubs feel they can plan infrastructure, youth development, and commercial partnerships with confidence.

Other important aspects from the proposal are listed below:

League ownership

The league shall be operated through an independent corporate entity, in which all participating clubs shall hold equal shares and enjoy equal voting rights on the basis of one club, one vote, irrespective of commercial size or history. In the event of league expansion, shareholding percentages shall be adjusted equally across all participating clubs, ensuring continued parity, fairness, and the avoidance of any conflict of interest.

Decision-making

All key decisions shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority, including decisions relating to governance and regulatory matters, commercial matters, marketing and branding matters, structural changes to the league, and entry, exit, and expansion mechanisms. This decision-making threshold is intended to ensure institutional stability while preserving collective and balanced decision-making among participating clubs

Role of the AIFF in new league

AIFF shall retain full regulatory and statutory authority over the league, including matters relating to player registrations and transfers, disciplinary and integrity frameworks, competition regulations, and compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.

In this context, the AIFF may be granted a veto right limited to sporting and regulatory matters, the scope and application of which shall be clearly defined and documented. The AIFF shall not exercise veto or approval rights in respect of commercial matters, including media and broadcast rights, sponsorships, marketing, or licensing activities.

“The All India Football Federation (AIFF) shall retain full regulatory and statutory authority over the league, including matters relating to player registrations and transfers, disciplinary and integrity frameworks, competition regulations, and compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes. In this context, the AIFF may be granted a veto right limited to sporting and regulatory matters, the scope and application of which shall be clearly defined and documented.

The AIFF shall not exercise veto or approval rights in respect of commercial matters, including media and broadcast rights, sponsorships, marketing, or licensing activities. This separation of responsibilities is intended to preserve regulatory oversight while ensuring commercial independence, in line with international best practice,” it added.

League membership, participation and shareholding

League Membership Contribution (Non-Franchise Model) – the league is not a franchise or closed model, participating clubs shall contribute through:

1. League Membership Contribution: An annual contribution payable by clubs participating in the league, covering league administration, integrity and compliance systems, central services, sustainability requirements, and league-level marketing and commercial expenses.
2. Fixed Participation Fee: Рayable by all participating clubs. Covers match operations, refereeing, competition management, and central administration
3. Promotion, Relegation and Shares: All participating clubs shall hold equal shares in the league entity. The relegated club shall surrender its shares and the promoted club shall be allotted an equal share.

Commercial rights and revenue distribution

The proposal places commercial control at the league level to ensure transparency and long-term sustainability in Indian football. By centralising broadcasting, digital, sponsorship, and merchandising rights, the model aims to prevent revenue fragmentation.

As a result, clubs receive predictable income while still benefiting from on-field performance. Moreover, the staged revenue distribution protects financial stability, rewards merit, and leaves room for collective decision-making alongside the AIFF.

The direct proposal is listed below:

All commercial and media rights shall be centralised at league level, including:

1. Broadcasting and digital rights
2. Sponsorship and partnerships
3. Licensing and merchandising

Distribution of Net League Revenue (Net league revenue shall be distributed in the following order):

First Charge – Equal Distribution: Distributed equally to all clubs to cover the League Membership Contribution

Remaining Net Revenue Distribution (The balance shall be allocated as follows):50% – Equal distribution among all participating clubs 25% – Performance-based distribution (linked to league position) 5% – Central contingency fund (financial stability, force majeure, systemic risks)20%-To be discussed and finalised collectively by the clubs and the AIFF

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