AIFF issues strict payment schedule notice to ISL clubs; ₹1 lakh per day fine & disqualification clause introduced

Financial Model for ISL 2025–26 formalised as Federation warns clubs of penalties for non-compliance

With the Indian Super League 2025–26 season already underway, the financial structure behind it has now been formally locked in.

Earlier, the All India Football Federation had informed the Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, alongside ISL clubs, that it would contribute ₹9.70 crore towards the league’s operational costs for the 2025–26 season.

However, the finalised financial model tells a different story.

Under the approved structure, AIFF’s contribution towards league operations stands at ₹0. At the same time, while multiple stakeholders across the ecosystem continue to operate at a loss, the revenue split mechanism ensures that the Federation is projected to receive ₹3.448 crore from central revenue distribution this season.

From a proposed ₹9.70 crore contribution to ₹0 in operational funding — and a projected surplus instead.

That context frames the three-page notice issued on 26 February 2026 titled:

“Financial Model and Payment Schedule – ISL 2025–26 Season”

The communication, addressed to all participating clubs, confirms that the revised financial model, proposed by the clubs and subsequently approved by AIFF, will govern the current season.

The notice states:

“This is to notify all participating Clubs of the ISL 2025–26 season that the revised Financial Model, as proposed by the participating Clubs and thereafter accepted and approved by the AIFF exclusively for the ISL 2025–26 season, is annexed hereto and shall be read as forming part of the regulatory framework governing the ISL 2025–26 season.”

That line matters.

Because this isn’t advisory. It forms part of the regulatory framework.

The payment deadlines

The Federation has specified a mandatory payment schedule ratified by clubs in a meeting dated 24 February 2026.

The notice lists the instalments as follows:

1. 5th March 2026 – INR 30,00,000/- (Rupees Thirty Lakhs only)

2. Between 28th March and 4th April 2026 – INR 30,00,000/- (Rupees Thirty Lakhs only)

3. 1st May 2026 – INR 20,00,000/- (Rupees Twenty Lakhs only)

4. Balance payment, if any – Upon reconciliation of accounts as determined by AIFF.

The instruction that follows is unambiguous:

“All amounts shall be remitted strictly within the timelines stipulated above.”

The penalty structure

The consequences of delay are spelled out clearly under the heading “Consequences of Non-Compliance”.

First comes the financial deterrent:

“A fine of INR 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh only) per day shall be levied for each day of delay from the due date until actual payment.”

₹1 lakh per day. From the first day of delay.

If the delay extends, the notice escalates:

“Upon the expiry of 7 (seven) days of continued non-payment, AIFF shall issue a Notice of Disqualification to the defaulting Club.”

And it doesn’t stop there.

“If the default is not remedied within 4 (four) days from the date of such Notice of Disqualification, the concerned Club shall be deemed disqualified from participation in the next season of the ISL, without any further communication. The decision of the AIFF in this regard shall be final, binding, and not appealable.”

Final. Binding. Not appealable. That is as strong as regulatory language gets in Indian football governance.

What the financial model shows

Annexure A, attached to the notice, outlines the financial breakdown for the 2025–26 season.

According to the table:

• League Operating Budget: ₹26.23cr
• AIFF Contributions: 0
• Amount for clubs to pay at start of league: ₹26.23cr

Savings have been factored in, including reduced production costs and prize money adjustments, bringing the total pending operational cost to ₹18.31cr.

The AIFF share on operations is listed as 0.

Clubs’ share on operations post savings stands at ₹18.31cr, with the cost per club pending shown as ₹1.307857143.

Revenue from FanCode is mentioned as ₹8.62cr, split 40% to AIFF (₹3.448) and 60% to clubs (₹5.172).

The final “Cost to Clubs” figure is listed as ₹13.138cr, with “Amount for clubs to pay remaining for league costs at 100%” calculated at ₹0.9384285714.

At the bottom of the annexure, a note reads:

“Numbers are subject to change based on the reduction of costs.”

Governance signal

This notice does not exist in isolation.

Recent weeks have already seen structural turbulence within the ISL ecosystem. The issuance of a strict payment schedule — backed by per-day fines and automatic disqualification clauses — signals that the Federation is drawing firm financial boundaries.

There is also a clear shift in tone. The document concludes:

“This Notice is issued in furtherance of ensuring financial discipline and orderly conduct of the League.All Clubs are directed to take strict note and ensure full compliance.”

In other words, compliance with payment rules is now tied directly to participation rights.

The football continues on the pitch.

Off it, the message is simple — meet the timelines, or risk not being there next season.

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