How much are clubs paying AIFF for ISL 2026-27? Participation fee, deadlines revealed
ISL 2026-27 will happen in a club-led model.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally asked all 14 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to confirm their participation for the 2026-27 season by paying the first instalment of the annual participation fee.
In an email sent to all clubs, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan said teams must submit a written confirmation along with the first payment of ₹55 lakh by July 20. The remaining ₹55 lakh must be paid before August 14.
The payment is part of the newly introduced club-led model that will govern the ISL from the 2026-27 season.
“The written confirmation of participation and receipt of the first instalment are mandatory prerequisites for participation in the competition,” Satyanarayan wrote in the communication sent to the clubs.
He also made it clear that the timelines are final.
“The above timeline has been arrived at, keeping in view the operational, commercial and regulatory timelines necessary for the successful organisation of the league. It is, therefore, imperative that the process is viewed and complied with in accordance with the mutually agreed framework.”
Satyanarayan added that:
“No requests for extension, waiver, or deferred compliance shall be entertained beyond the respective deadlines.”
ISL 2026-27 Club-led model explained
Under the new structure, each of the 14 ISL clubs will pay an annual participation fee of ₹1.10 crore to the AIFF in two equal instalments of ₹55 lakh each.
In return, the clubs will collectively manage the league’s commercial and operational activities, while the AIFF will continue to oversee the sporting and regulatory side of the competition, including licensing and governance.
The AIFF will also receive 10% of the league’s net profits and retain audit rights over the league’s financial accounts.
Although most clubs are expected to complete the formalities before the deadline, newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC remains under the spotlight after reports of an ongoing investigation into the club’s finances.
However, the AIFF has maintained that the Indian Football League champions remain part of the 14-team ISL for the upcoming season.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Satyanarayan said:
“As far as we are concerned, as of now, we have not received any letter from Diamond Harbour that they are unable to participate or that they have any problem.”
He added:
“We are assuming that 14 teams are ready (to take part). Once we send out the letter and receive a response, we will know the exact position (of the club).”
OCI players and other player reservations
The club-led model also confirmed several important sporting decisions for the 2026-27 season.
OCI players will not have a separate registration category and will instead be counted as foreign players. Each club can register six foreign players, with a maximum of four allowed in the playing XI at any time.
The proposal to make it compulsory for clubs to field an Indian No. 9 throughout matches was also rejected. Instead, teams will be free to decide whether to start an Indian or foreign striker, leaving the decision entirely to the coaching staff.
How much will each ISL club pay the AIFF?
Each ISL club will pay ₹1.10 crore annually to the AIFF in two instalments of ₹55 lakh each.
What are the payment deadlines for ISL clubs?
The first instalment of ₹55 lakh must be paid by July 20, while the second instalment is due before August 14.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.