ISL clubs urge Sports Ministry for short & medium-term stability plan, seek relegation freeze

A request to stall relegation for the next 3-5 years is something that the clubs believe will bring more stability.

The 14 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs penned a letter to the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Friday. The letter served as a detailed representation outlining the challenges facing the league this season and in the next few years.

The letter describes the current campaign as one being conducted under exceptional conditions, marked by uncertainty in governance and revenues. According to the clubs, the absence of predictable commercial inflows is a huge risk to the clubs. Despite this, teams have chosen to continue the season to prevent disruption to Indian football.

In collaboration, the clubs shared a letter on 30th January, bringing up key parameters for the growth and long-term sustainability of the clubs and the league. The subject of the letter was to give a comprehensive update on the ISL, highlighting the operational constraints and legal stabilisation measures for the current season.

“The purpose of this note is to place on record the prevailing circumstances affecting the ISL and to outline the measures that are necessary—both operationally and from a legal/policy standpoint—to ensure continuity, stability, and long-term sustainability of professional football in India. This note is intended to assist the Ministry in presenting a complete and accurate factual position before the Hon’ble Supreme Court through the Learned Solicitor General,” the letter read.

Here are the points that have been highlighted by the club…

Short-term operational considerations

Financial Stress on ISL Clubs

The submission highlights severe financial strain across ISL clubs due to the lack of central commercial clarity. Broadcast-linked revenues, sponsorship inflows, and league-wide income streams remain uncertain. At the same time, operational expenses related to travel, logistics, and compliance have increased. The clubs state that participation this season is being driven more by ecosystem preservation than financial viability.

Access to Stadiums and Matchday Infrastructure

A key concern raised in the letter relates to access to stadiums and training facilities, most of which are government-owned. The clubs have collectively reported that rising costs for rentals, utilities, pitch upkeep, and matchday operations have become increasingly difficult to manage.

Additional expenses for mandatory police, fire, and civic services further add to the burden. Owing to this, the clubs have sought concessional or waived access to infrastructure for the next three years. They have also requested the body to coordinate with the state governments and local authorities to ensure matches can be staged sustainably.

Request for Temporary Relaxation in Club Licensing Norms

The clubs have also requested a temporary rationalisation of club licensing requirements for the current season. While acknowledging the importance of licensing for long-term governance, the ISL sides argue that certain criteria are disproportionate in a truncated season.

Developmental and non-essential staffing mandates have been flagged as particularly burdensome. The proposal calls for enforcement to focus primarily on safety, medical care, and competition integrity. In this context, the clubs have requested the ministry to advice the AIFF to:

In this context, the clubs respectfully request that the Ministry may consider advising the AIFF to adopt a pragmatic and relaxed approach for the current season, by:

● Temporarily exempting or deferring requirements that relate to Club Development Programmes (including CDP Baby Leagues) where clubs are already participating in organised youth leagues or equivalent development structures

● Temporarily relaxing requirements that are non-essential for the conduct of a short, truncated season, including certain staffing mandates such as additional specialised personnel (e.g. S&C staff or goalkeeper coaches), where minimum technical and medical standards are otherwise met

● Limiting enforcement during the current season to core licensing criteria necessary to ensure player safety, medical care, competition integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Call for Interim Commercial Support through PSU’s

In the absence of a stable central commercial partner, the letter proposes interim support through Public Sector Undertakings (PSU). According to the clubs, PSU involvement could provide immediate financial relief and institutional credibility.

Even limited sponsorship or branding support is seen as crucial during this transition phase. The ISL clubs argue that such participation aligns with national objectives of supporting professional sport.

Waiver of Broadcast Costs and Uplink Fee

While the ISL clubs acknowledge that continued live coverage is essential for maintaining fan engagement and national visibility, they have requested a waiver or reduction of the uplink fee for the current season.The clubs believe that a waiver or substantial concession in these charges for the current season would:

● Directly reduce the financial burden on clubs and broadcasters

● Improve the feasibility of telecasting matches

● Ensure continued public access to Indian football during a sensitive period.

Medium-term Stability

Legal and Policy Concerns Around League Stability

The letter references the Justice L. Nageswara Rao Committee’s report submitted to the Supreme Court in November 2025. The report, according to the clubs, highlights risks linked to structural uncertainty and investor exposure.

The report cautions against excessive rigidity during periods of transition. The ISL clubs argue that the present situation demands proportionate and stabilising policy decisions.

Proposal for a Stabilisation Period and Relegation Freeze

One of the most significant requests made by the 14 ISL clubs is for a defined stabilisation period of three to five years. This includes a temporary stay on relegation for the next three to five seasons. The clubs believe that this is a period of re-stabilisation, and it will provide investors with the confidence required to continue funding club operations during a period of structural transition.

In the letter, it is also mentioned that a stay on relegation will allow the ISL clubs to invest more in youth development, infrastructure, and grassroots programmes without existential risk arising from exceptional seasons. They also add that this will allow the revised league structure adequate time to attain economic predictability and sporting balance.

Talking about the current season, the ISL clubs contend that it lacks the parity required for fair sporting consequences. They describe the campaign as being conducted under force majeure-like conditions. Relegation during this phase, they argue, could severely damage investor confidence and club stability.

Broader Implications for Indian Football

Beyond immediate concerns, the letter frames the issue as one affecting the wider Indian football ecosystem. The clubs warn that instability could lead to job losses, reduced fan engagement, and reputational harm.

Professional football, they argue, depends on predictability and confidence in governance. The submission positions its requests as protective rather than self-serving.

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