Following stakeholder feedback, AIFF has revised its proposed ISL governance charter. Here’s a clear breakdown of what has changed, what hasn’t, and how power is now structured.

After sharing a proposed governance charter for the Indian Super League (ISL) earlier this month, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has now circulated an updated version of the charter to participating clubs, based on feedback received from them. 

While the core structure remains intact, the revised document introduces important clarifications, tighter definitions, and subtle recalibration of authority, particularly around finances, voting, and operational processes.

Previous model: Explained: AIFF’s proposed ISL Governance Model – What changes, who holds power & why it matters

Here’s a clear look at what has changed and why it matters.

📊 SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON TABLE

Old vs updated ISL Governance Charter

Aspect	Earlier Draft	Updated Charter
Budget Structure	Single central budget	Split into Restricted & Unrestricted
AIFF Affirmative Vote	Broad, loosely defined	Targeted to integrity & restricted funds
Revenue Redistribution	75% + strong AIFF control	75% + at least 1 AIFF vote
Secretary General	Role unclear	Explicitly non-voting
Governing Council Meetings	Limited clarity	Minimum 4 per year
Quorum Rules	Broad	Clearly defined numbers
Rights Partner Role	Loosely defined	Strictly limited
Operational Decisions	Voting heavy	Pre-approved routine matters
Emergency Meetings	Not explicit	Codified

1. The central budget for ISL is now clearly ring-fenced

One of the most notable updates is the formal split of the central operational budget into two categories:

• Unrestricted Funds (up to 70%) Covering broadcast production, marketing, digital operations, prize money, and commercial activities.
• Restricted Funds (minimum 30%) Covering referees, central administration, youth competitions, integrity, anti-doping, legal matters, and parachute payments.

Why this matters

This ring-fencing ensures that regulatory and integrity-related spending cannot be diluted, even if commercial pressures rise during the season.

2. AIFF’s affirmative vote is narrower but still decisive

In the earlier version, AIFF’s affirmative vote was required broadly on “key matters.” 

The updated charter narrows this language, linking AIFF’s mandatory approval specifically to:

• Allocation and changes involving Restricted Funds
• Integrity, disciplinary, and regulatory matters
• Budget deviations affecting protected categories

Why this matters

The change improves optics by avoiding blanket veto language, while still ensuring AIFF controls the most sensitive decision areas for ISL.

3. Revenue redistribution rules have been softened slightly

Under the updated charter:

• Revenue redistribution still requires a 75% super-majority
• But now needs at least one AIFF affirmative vote, instead of the stronger implied control earlier

Why this matters

This is a measured softening, signalling responsiveness to club concerns, while ensuring AIFF retains a blocking seat.

4. The Secretary General’s role is clearly defined as non-voting

The updated ISL charter explicitly states that the AIFF Secretary General serves on the Governing Council as a non-voting, ex officio member.

Why this matters

This removes ambiguity and slightly reduces concerns about over-concentration of voting power, even though AIFF still retains multiple voting members.

5. Governing Council meetings are now mandatory and time-bound

The revised document introduces strict meeting requirements:

• At least four Governing Council meetings per year
• No gap of more than three months
• Mandatory meetings:
  • Three months before the season
  • One month after the season ends

Why this matters

This directly addresses criticisms of inaction in governance and ensures continuous oversight.

6. Quorum requirements are now explicit

The updated charter clearly defines quorum:

• Governing Council
  • Minimum 2 AIFF members
  • At least 7 club representatives (or half, whichever is higher)
  • 1 Independent Member
• Management Committee
  • 2 AIFF members
  • 2 club representatives
  • 1 Rights Partner representative

Why this matters

No single stakeholder group can make decisions in isolation, closing potential loopholes.

7. Rights partner voting is narrowly restricted

The revised ISL charter limits the Rights Partner’s voting rights strictly to:

• Scheduling
• Broadcast and production matters
• Commercial inventory and advertising
• Sponsor integrations

They are explicitly excluded from:

• Regulatory decisions
• Sporting matters
• Disciplinary issues

Why this matters

This prevents commercial partners from influencing sporting governance.

8. Operational flexibility via “Pre-approved matters”

The Management Committee can now pre-approve routine operational items to avoid repeated voting.

However:

• Senior appointments, including a League Commissioner, require a 75% super-majority

Why this matters

AIFF introduces efficiency without loosening control over the key leadership role.

9. Emergency meetings and appeals are codified

The updated charter allows:

• Any two members can call an emergency meeting if the Chairperson fails to do so
• Defined timelines for reconsideration and appeals

Final authority continues to rest with the AIFF Executive Committee.

What has not changed

• Two-tier structure (Governing Council + Management Committee)
• AIFF ownership of the ISL
• Club representation framework
• Loss of governance seat upon relegation
• AIFF’s exclusive control over referees, discipline, and Laws of the Game

The bigger picture

The updated charter reflects a course correction rather than a power shift.

AIFF has refined language, improved clarity, and softened some thresholds, but the overall framework of ISL remains federation-led, with clubs involved but not in control.

How this structure functions in practice will now depend less on the document itself and more on how flexibly – or rigidly – it is implemented.

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