Clubs nominate members to ISL Governing Council ahead of finalizing commercial rights structure

Eight ISL clubs have so far sent their nominations

The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL clubs have officially nominated members to the Indian Super League (ISL) Governing Council, marking an important step in the league’s administrative restructuring ahead of the upcoming season.

In a letter recently, the federation confirmed the names of eight club representatives and three AIFF office bearers who will form part of the apex decision-making body responsible for overseeing the ISL’s operations, planning and broader strategic direction.

Importance of the governing body

According to the letter issued by AIFF, the ISL Governing Council will function as the apex body for formulating and approving the season plan in consultation with the ISL Management Committee.

The council will also be responsible for endorsing the league’s broader vision, development objectives, and principles relating to accountability, transparency, impartiality, sporting integrity and fair competition.

Among its major responsibilities, the body will also review and approve the budget prepared on a season-by-season basis by the league’s commercial partner appointed by AIFF.

The federation further stated that no significant changes to the approved budget during the season can be made without the matter being considered and approved by the Governing Council.

Eight club’s nominations confirmed

The AIFF confirmed that details of eight club representatives have been received for the ISL Governing Council.

The nominated members are:

• Sundara Raman – Jamshedpur FC
• Vinod Dugar – Inter Kashi FC
• Rohan Sharma – Odisha FC
• Sandeep Agarwal – East Bengal FC
• John Abraham – NorthEast United FC
• Md. Amiruddin – Mohammedan Sporting Club
• Gurpreet Singh – Punjab FC
• Nandan Piramal – FC Goa

In addition to the club nominees, the AIFF has also named three of its own office bearers as representatives on the council.

The list includes:

• Kalyan Chaubey – President
• N A Haris – Vice President
• Kipa Ajay – Treasurer

Focus on the commercial rights of the league

The letter also underlined that the current ISL season is being organised as a collaborative exercise between AIFF and participating clubs.

The federation said the appointment of a commercial rights partner is expected to enhance the ISL experience in the coming seasons while also reducing the financial burden on both the AIFF and the clubs.

Importantly, the AIFF has indicated that the Governing Council will soon meet to discuss the finalisation of the commercial rights partner following the request for proposal process initiated earlier this year.

Clubs that are yet to nominate their representatives have been requested to do so at the earliest, and no later than April 17, 2026, to ensure full participation in the upcoming meeting.

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