ISL clubs raise concerns over delay in AIFF’s commercial tender process

10 ISL clubs write to AIFF demanding clarification of the status of the delayed commercial tender.

Indian football is going through a turbulent phase. After the men’s national team failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, concerns have deepened over the lack of clarity surrounding domestic competitions.

The uncertainty has affected not only the Indian Super League (ISL) but also the I-League and Indian Women’s League (IWL), both of which are still awaiting concrete scheduling updates.

To add to that, Real Kashmir FC has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Super Cup, citing organisational and financial challenges.

Now, the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have voiced their collective frustration over delays in the tender process for selecting a new commercial partner.

On October 16, 2025, ten ISL clubs jointly addressed a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), expressing deep concern over the federation’s failure to follow through on its earlier commitment to conduct an open and transparent tender by October 15.

ISL clubs demand transparency and accountability

The letter, addressed to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and the Executive Committee, highlighted the clubs’ growing discontent.

It stated, “Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it was clearly stated that an open and transparent tender process would be completed by 15th October 2025 to appoint a new commercial partner for the league.”

The letter comes just days before the Super Cup, which will kick off on October 25, running until November 22. While this was seen as a positive step, the broader uncertainty around league operations continues to overshadow.

” While the Super Cup has since been organised and clubs have agreed to participate in good faith,activating teams at this stage has already involved significant logistical and contractual implications — from assembling squads, securing venues, and confirming operational commitments to re-engaging staff and vendors.

These decisions have been made trusting that the AIFF would act in accordance with its submission to the Supreme Court and bring clarity to the league’s immediate future.” the letter added.

However, as the clubs pointed out, the federation has yet to release any tender documents or communicate the next steps.

“As of today, there has been no tender document released, no communication on the next steps, and no transparency on where the process currently stands,” the letter stated.

The clubs stressed that they had already made significant logistical and contractual commitments, assembling squads, securing venues, and re-engaging operational staff, based on the AIFF’s assurances.

They noted that this trust was now being tested, adding that “the lack of communication from the AIFF has been deeply disappointing, and the silence surrounding this matter has caused further erosion of confidence among clubs and other stakeholders.”

Also Read: Real Kashmir set to withdraw from AIFF Super Cup citing uncertainty over I-League start

Clubs seek immediate clarification on the status

The ISL clubs made it clear that while they remain committed to supporting Indian football’s growth, their goodwill cannot be “taken for granted.” They also warned that the ongoing uncertainty has made sponsorship discussions, player signings, and long-term planning nearly impossible.

In their concluding appeal, the clubs requested that the AIFF urgently clarify:

1. The status of the tender process and when it will be released.
2. The proposed timeline for completing the selection process.

“It is deeply disappointing that such a letter has had to be written once again,” the statement concluded, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency within the federation.

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