Sports Ministry summons Indian football stakeholders as AIFF faces ISL commercial crisis
Government steps in to address AIFF–ISL commercial impasse.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) finds itself at the centre of a growing storm, prompting the Sports Ministry to call an urgent multi-stakeholder meeting to resolve the Indian Super League (ISL) impasse.
The government stepped in after the Supreme Court expressed concern over the failed commercial tender and the uncertainty surrounding the 2025–26 ISL season. As pressure rises, all major parties, from ISL clubs to broadcasters, will now gather on December 3 in New Delhi to chart a workable path forward.
What did the Supreme Court say?
The crisis deepened on November 21, when the Supreme Court reviewed Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao’s report. The bench noted that AIFF failed to attract a single bidder for the ISL’s commercial rights. Therefore, the Court urged all parties to find a practical solution within two weeks.
The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, told the Court that the government is ready to intervene. He emphasised that the ISL must be held and that the government is prepared to support the process while respecting FIFA regulations.
Moreover, the Court also recorded concerns raised by club captains and the Amicus Curiae about delayed player salaries and the risk of a wider collapse. Since I-League and lower-division clubs are also affected, the Court signalled a holistic approach that includes the entire league pyramid.
Also Read: Government steps in; stakeholders urged to break ISL deadlock within next two weeks by SC
Sports Ministry comes into play
The situation escalated quickly after AIFF’s commercial tender collapsed. Since no entity came forward to bid, operational planning for the ISL stalled. As a result, several clubs warned the authorities about financial instability, with Odisha FC already suspending some salary payments. Meanwhile, I-League clubs also approached the Sports Minister, citing uncertainty over their own season.
Because of these developments, the Sports Ministry decided to bring all sides together. It requested the presence of ISL clubs, I-League teams, FSDL, broadcasters, OTT platforms, and prospective commercial partners. The Ministry also asked AIFF to ensure that KPMG, the transaction advisor, attends the meeting to clarify all technical matters. Although wider issues like adopting the new constitution remain unresolved, the immediate priority is restarting the league system and safeguarding livelihoods.
Meeting Schedule for December 3
- 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm: ISL clubs – League readiness and commercial model
- 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm: I-League and lower-division clubs – Pyramid stability and disputes
- 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: FSDL – Transition and past learnings
- 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Prospective commercial partners – RFP concerns and re-tender interest
- 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Broadcasters and OTT platforms – Broadcast viability and RFP issues
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Joint meeting with all stakeholders
Why has the Sports Ministry called this meeting?
The meeting was announced after the Supreme Court raised concerns about AIFF’s failed attempt to secure a commercial partner for ISL. The Ministry aims to bring all stakeholders together and identify a workable solution.
Who will attend the meeting on December 3?
ISL clubs, I-League teams, FSDL, broadcasters, OTT platforms, prospective commercial partners, and KPMG, the transaction advisor, have all been asked to participate.
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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.