All Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, except East Bengal, have replied to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) explaining that talks of hosting the league would be futile if constitutional constraints are not resolved at the earliest.
The letter, sent on Thursday, comes a day after AIFF’s Deputy Secretary General, M. Satyanarayan, wrote to the clubs asking for a call to explore the possibility of jointly hosting the league, to which the reply reads ‘deflects responsibility onto the Clubs while simultaneously citing constitutional restrictions as justification for the Federation’s inaction’.
The sections for which the clubs are seeking amendments are Articles 1.21, 1.54, and 63 of the AIFF Constitution, as mentioned in their letter dated December 5.
Article 1.21 details the financial year between April 1 and March 31, but with the ISL not planned so far, a commercial partner will need to have the liberty of a contract different to the window suggested by the AIFF.
The other two articles pertain to the power of authorisation of ownership of the league and its entities, both of which belong entirely to the AIFF
“The Clubs remain open and committed to working with the AIFF towards a club-led model, consistent with global best practices. However, for such a model to be financially and operationally viable, Clubs must have commercial flexibility—including the ability to attract sponsors, investors, and long-term partners,” the letter, written by Vinay Chopra, the director of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, on behalf of all clubs, read.
“This is not possible until the commercially restrictive clauses in the AIFF Constitution are amended or removed. Without this change, no sustainable league structure can be built, regardless of good intentions.”
The clubs have given two options to the federation: the AIFF should either expressly support the removal of commercially restrictive clauses in the Constitution, or itself undertake these amendments at the forthcoming AGM on December 20, 2025. Thereafter, the federation, along with the support of the Government and the clubs, proceeds to transparently identify an appropriate commercial partner.
If the AIFF considers it institutionally preferable and the above process fails, the AIFF (after removing the constitutional impediments) may hand over the long-term rights of the league to the clubs, who are fully prepared—consistent with global best practices—to either solely or jointly operate, commercialise, and develop the league, including through securing sponsors, broadcasters, commercial partners, and strategic investors.
“We are ready to attend a meeting at the earliest, but such a meeting must have a clear, pre-circulated agenda aimed at taking constructive, time-bound decisions—not reiterating constraints that have been known for months,” the clubs wrote.
It is understood that the Federation had forwarded the clubs’ previous letter (sent on December 5) to the Sports Ministry, and acknowledged the letter sent on Thursday.
“Please be informed that the AIFF is in active communication with all stakeholders to arrive at a viable solution,” M. Satyanarayan wrote in the Federation’s reply.
“As the matter is currently sub-judice before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, and with the report already submitted by Justice L. N. Rao to the Court, our options remain limited.”
The Federation suggested two possible approaches:
1. To await the final directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court; or
2. To collectively explore an amicable alternative solution.
“Any proposal from your end will need to be placed before, and approved by, the AIFF Executive Committee and the General Body, scheduled to meet on 20th December 2025,” Satyanarayan added.
Published – December 11, 2025 08:52 pm IST