ISL clubs respond to AIFF ultimatum with five-fold demands

AIFF asked ISL clubs to confirm their participation for ISL 2025-26 on January 1st.

13 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, except Jamshedpur FC, formally replied to AIFF’s participation ultimatum. In their joint response, the clubs made it clear they are willing to take part in the 2025–26 season, but only if specific safeguards are confirmed in writing.

The reply follows AIFF’s December 31 letter asking clubs to confirm participation and competition format within a tight deadline. While the clubs did not reject participation, they stressed that any commitment must align with transparency, financial prudence, and long-term sustainability.

Importantly, the clubs framed their stance within the principles of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. They argued that unchecked financial exposure could threaten institutional stability across Indian Football.

The undersigned clubs wish to place on record that, subject to the confirmations set out below, they may be ready and willing to participate in the 2025–26 season, in a manner consistent with the principles of transparency, financial prudence, proportionality, and long-term sustainability as contemplated under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (“NSGA”) and also as per the discussions with the AIFF coordination committee and the clubs.

ISL clubs seek clarity before confirming participation

The clubs’ first and most pressing demand relates to financial accountability. They have asked AIFF to formally assume responsibility for league-level operational costs if no commercial partner or broadcaster is appointed.

According to the clubs, AIFF is the league operator and rights holder. Therefore, until revenues are monetised, the federation should bear organisational risks. The clubs insist this approach reflects sound governance and fair risk allocation.

“That, in the absence of an appointed commercial partner and/or broadcaster, and until such time as commercial rights are formally transferred or monetised, the AIFF—being the rights holder and operator of the league—shall assume financial responsibility for league-level organisational and operational costs for the 2025–26 season, in accordance with principles of sound financial governance and risk allocation envisaged under the NSGA and the minimum standards of the ISL product as discussed in the joint budgeting exercise,” the letter read.

No participation fee for the interim season

The clubs have also demanded that no participation fee be imposed for the 2025–26 season. They argue that a truncated format, combined with uncertain revenues, makes any such fee disproportionate.

Moreover, they warned that arbitrary financial demands could violate governance principles under the NSGA. As a result, they want a clean exemption for this season.

“That, having regard to the proposed truncated format, the absence of a settled commercial revenue model, and the requirement under the NSGA to avoid disproportionate or arbitrary financial burdens on regulated entities, there shall be no participation fee payable by clubs for the 2025–26 season,” the letter added.

Also Read: AIFF issues deadline ultimatum to ISL clubs as Indian Football crisis deepens

Clear cost allocation to protect club stability

Another key concern involves cost sharing. ISL clubs want AIFF to shoulder most league-level expenses for the interim season.

At the same time, clubs have agreed to continue paying routine team-related costs. However, they have firmly rejected open-ended or unpredictable liabilities. According to them, financial certainty is essential for Indian Football’s long-term health.

“That the majority of league-level costs required to deliver the 2025–26 season shall be borne by the AIFF, with clubs continuing to meet only their respective team-related and routine operational expenses, ensuring that clubs are not exposed to indeterminate or open-ended financial liabilities contrary to principles of financial certainty and institutional stability under the NSGA,” it added.

“That the AIFF shall place on record a clear, time-bound roadmap for execution of the long-term plan, including defined timelines and accountability for:• Appointment of a commercial partner and/or broadcaster;• Finalisation of the league’s revenue, governance, and risk-sharing framework; and• Transition to a financially self-sustaining competition model consistent with statutory governance, ”

ISL clubs demand long term stability.

Beyond the immediate season, ISL clubs have asked AIFF to place a clear long-term roadmap on record. This includes timelines for appointing a commercial partner, finalising revenue-sharing models, and transitioning to a self-sustaining league.

They also urged AIFF to actively seek government support to offset costs for the interim season. The clubs believe this step is justified given the exceptional and transitional nature of the current situation.

“That, in view of the exceptional, transitional, and systemic nature of the present circumstances, and consistent with the NSGA’s recognition of government facilitation to preserve institutional continuity and sporting integrity, the AIFF shall actively seek commercial or institutional support from the Government of India to help make the interim 2025–26 season sustainable.”

Notably, the clubs reiterated that they are acting in good faith. They stressed that their goal is not to delay the season but to ensure participation remains lawful and sustainable.

They have also expressed readiness to meet all stakeholders on January 3, ahead of the Supreme Court’s reopening on January 5.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.