Archive · 19 Dec 2025
ISL Clubs Propose Club-Owned League Model
The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have proposed a big change to how the league is run.
They want to create a new company that the clubs own and control, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) overseeing the rules.
The clubs say this will make the league stronger and more stable.
They also promised to start the next season quickly, even if some legal issues need to be sorted out.
The AIFF and the government will discuss this plan, and the clubs hope everyone will agree to make it happen.
ISL clubs proposed a club-owned league model to the AIFF and Sports Ministry.
The proposal aims to ensure continuity, strengthen governance, and align with global best practices.
The AIFF would retain regulatory functions but not bear commercial risks or operational liabilities.
The clubs proposed no league rights fee for the 2025-26 season and an annual grant of Rs 10 crore from 2026-27.
The proposal may require amendments to the AIFF constitution, currently under Supreme Court scrutiny.
- Who
- Indian Super League (ISL) clubs
- What
- Proposed a club-owned league model for the ISL
- When
- On the final day of the deadline for submitting a plan for the 2025-26 season
- Where
- India
- Why
- To safeguard continuity of elite football, strengthen governance, ensure financial sustainability, and align with global best practices
- Proposal Submitted By
- Indian Super League (ISL) clubs
- Proposal Submitted To
- All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Objective
- Restructure ownership, governance, and operational framework of India's top-tier football league
- Proposed League Company Structure
- Clubs hold majority shareholding, AIFF holds one special share
- AIFF's Role
- Regulatory and governance functions, no commercial risk or operational liability
- Financial Proposal
- No league rights fee for 2025-26 season, Rs 10 crore annual grant from 2026-27
- League Commencement
- Within 45 days of formal handover of rights, subject to approvals
- Supreme Court Involvement
- Proposal may require amendments to AIFF constitution under court scrutiny
Sources
'Be Assured, ISL Will Happen' Despite AIFF Deadlock: Report
ISL clubs seek perpetual control, propose club-owned model for league - Telegraph India
ISL clubs propose club-owned league with perpetual rights, EC member terms it ‘unacceptable’
