I-League clubs level serious allegations against AIFF over broadcast crisis

The Indian football apex body is under severe scrutiny from I-League clubs.

During a press meeting on Saturday, the I-League Clubs Association (ILCA) accused the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of gross mismanagement and questionable decisions that have jeopardized the future of the I-League.

The ILCA highlighted the AIFF’s lack of transparency, unfulfilled commitments, and the precarious position it has left clubs, players, and stakeholders in.

A meeting consisting of representatives from all 12 I-League clubs highlighted how the AIFF was unresponsive to repeated communication attempts by all the clubs and their executives over clarity about future plans for the league.

Moreover, the ILCA has criticized the federation for disallowing U-19 players from being part of the I-League squads citing the problem of bloated squads, a move that severely hampers player development.

The restriction on I-League clubs to keep young players on their books contradicts the goal of nurturing grassroots football talent in India.

I-League clubs presented AIFF with different options

Amidst all the major issues, broadcasting issues dominate the ILCA’s grievances. While making claims of having sent four separate requests to the AIFF to discuss broadcasting matters, the association states all attempts were ignored.

Sony, a leading broadcaster in India, was willing to cover the I-League, and even reportedly sent multiple emails to the AIFF requesting fixture lists to plan promotional campaigns. However, these communications went unanswered.

Adding to the controversy is the AIFF’s decision to award broadcast rights through a closed tender process to a Kolkata-based company, SSEN.

It is an untested platform with little to no experience of streaming football matches. On top of this, ILCA members claim this deal was finalized by the AIFF without informing them, raising questions about the tender’s legality.

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No broadcast deal puts the league’s future in limbo

Another damning allegation is the AIFF’s moves have hampered the chance for future I-League stars to ever play in the Indian Super League (ISL) or even represent the national team, citing a lack of recognition of their talents.

AIFF’s moves have left around 1,000 registered players in limbo, unsure of whether they will be playing any games this season. Time is not something athletes have in excess and with the proceedings on pause, their careers have been severely impacted.

The AIFF might have put the I-League in deep trouble Ranjit Bajaj, owner of Delhi FC, also questioned whether there were any financial mismanagement on AIFF’s part towards the league.

During the meeting, he pointed out how AIFF’s funds have mysteriously declined from ₹22 crores in 2017 to near depletion in 2024.

Despite this, the Executive Committee allegedly bypassed standard protocols and did not finalize the tender. The move leaves the I-League without a credible broadcast plan and an indefinite pause to plans for the league season starting in less than a week.

As the I-League season looms, the ILCA has demanded peaceful cooperation from AIFF to rectify the situation. They argue that these decisions not only threaten the survival of the I-League but also undermine Indian football’s credibility.

Following these revelations, the AIFF faces immense pressure to address these allegations and ensure the league’s sustainability. If unresolved, the controversy could mark a significant setback for Indian football’s growth and development.

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