'Indian Football can no longer wait': I-League clubs take hardline stance, demanding action from AIFF

AIFF had sought suggestions from the I-League clubs.

The I-League clubs have written a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with their suggestions on the future course of action that the federation should take in order to bring Indian Football back on track.

The federation had sought suggestions from the I-League clubs earlier today, to which the clubs have come up with a stern statement and demands.

The Chairperson of the Bid Evaluation Committee, Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao will submit a report to the Supreme Court, briefing the court on the current situation following the failure of AIFF to attract any bid for the commercial rights.

8 I-League clubs have sent a letter to AIFF suggesting that all three leagues- ISL, I-League, and I-League 2 should be managed by one common league partner for better structure and consistency. @KhelNow #IndianFootball

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) November 12, 2025

I-League clubs demand a common league partner

The I-League clubs have put forth two valuable suggestions to the federation. The first of them is the demand for a common league partner for all the top three tiers of Indian football, which includes the Indian Super League, I-League and I-League 2.

“Keeping in mind the fundamental importance of a multi-tier league national structure for the development of football in the country (Tier 1-2-3), we suggest that all three leagues in this case ISL, I League and I League-2, should be managed by one common league partner. This shall ensure long-term holistic growth and sustainability to the National League ecosystem of the country.”

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League to commence no later than January

Setting their demand straight on the timeline for the resumption of the league, the I-League clubs have stated, “We understand that such an important decision will require thorough planning and execution; therefore, for the short and immediate term, we request the immediate announcement of the I-League this season within the next 10 days through interim measures. The league should ideally commence by 15 Dec 2025 and no later than 5th Jan 2026.”

Not only the timeline, but the clubs have also made their stance clear on the issue of the broadcaster.

The I-League clubs further expressed, “Needless to say, the league should also be telecast by the top two sports broadcasters (Star Sports & Jio Hotstar, Sony Sports & Sony Liv).”

“This will ensure all 330 of the nation’s top professional footballers are positively engaged in a competitive league system for our Nation’s so important continuous growth. We therefore request you to go through these two salient points so crucial for Indian football and convene an outcome meeting for the same at the earliest.”

I-League clubs want ‘fresh meeting’

In the letter written to AIFF, the I-League clubs have highlighted the alleged indifference of the federation to their cause

“It is pertinent to note that despite our constant request to you for a meeting to discuss matters concerning the start of I-League in the last couple of months, you have finally acceded to our request with a three hours’ notice to discuss the same,” read the letter.

“We are pleased to inform you that your letter comes at a time when the I-League Club Owners have actually converged in Delhi for a meeting to discuss the distressing issue related to our league start date which so far hasn’t been announced yet by the AIFF, despite the fact that league should have commenced by now as per the precedence of all the previous seasons in the last few decades.”

The clubs are demanding another meeting where they can resolve these matters.

They wrote, “We assume an answer and decisive action for the same may take longer than a couple of hours. So, a fresh meeting for the same may kindly be scheduled by you accordingly.”

The letter ended with the optimism that the federation will pave the way for a brighter future.

“The commencement of the current committee headed by Mr. Kalyan Chaubey came with a lot of hope and optimism that Indian Football developmental ecosystem would see better days than the past. We hope that you would take the two important points that we have unilaterally resolved to be placed to you and your body with utmost sincerity and immediate action. Indian Football can no longer wait!”

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