New Delhi: The All Indian Football Federation formed two separate committees after its annual general meeting on Saturday to discuss proposals of ISL and I-League clubs before formulating a plan on organisation of the country’s two topmost competitions.
Having received offers where they would have only regulatory and statutory authority and rights fee amount far less than what it has received from erstwhile commercial partner Reliance-owned FSDL (Rs 50 crore per an annum on average), AIFF has decided to explore if it could conduct the league on its own.
Hours after the ISL clubs, except East Bengal, sent their proposal on Friday, executive committee member Avijit Paul deemed it “unacceptable and somewhat demeaning”, viewing it as an “underlined attempt to undermine” AIFF’s authority, reminding that despite woes after failed bids for which it is being viewed as “weak”, the leagues should be held under the governing body’s aegis..
He had also suggested formation of a committee evaluate and take appropriate steps to start the leagues within AIFF’s permitted budget with the format and time frame “according to the need and practicality”.
ISL clubs insist they were compelled to put forward an offer where they would enjoy absolute authority over key areas since AIFF haven’t yet put any plan for consideration.
“The low-ball offer was made to nudge AIFF into action, which it has been successful in achieving. Clubs are prepared to listen to any proposal,” an ISL club official told News9 Sports.
Funds biggest hurdle
A stretched coffer remains the federation’s biggest impediment as it announced a deficit of Rs 25.88 crore in budget for January to May, 2026, at the AGM.
Inspite of which a senior functionary declared that AIFF would organise the league after some members expressed reservations on proposals of guaranteed income of Rs 10 crore from 2026-27 for grant of ISL rights to clubs perpetually and Rs 50 crore in 15 years from I-League sides (Rs 2.75 crore per annum for first five years, Rs 3.25 crore per annum for the next five and Rs 4 crore for the last 15).
No immediate indication was forthcoming on procurement of funds to organise the two leagues but two separate four-member committees involving three state unit officials with deputy secretary M Satyanarayan as chairperson of both would engage with the clubs to find a feasible way.
AIFF has a fixed deposit of Rs 50 crore, though it wasn’t instantly clear if it would be used in these times of acute stress.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey (second from left) is under pressure over no domestic football action. Photo: @IndianFootball
In its official communique, AIFF said the ISL clubs’ proposal evoked “mixed reactions” and discussions would be held with defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin, Mumbai City, SC Delhi and NorthEast United from Decembee 22 to 29.
“Where from will funds come? asked another ISL club official, pointing out that “in AIFF’s budget no allocation has been made for ISL while only Rs 3.50 crore has been kept for I-League, I-League 2 and I-League 3”.
The two committees would submit reports by December 29, which could then be taken up by the Sports ministry for placement in front of the Supreme Court when it resumes on January 5 in the new year after a winter break.
“If necessary, the AIFF will consult with FIFA and the AFC to review how similar situations in other nations were handled as precedents,” AIFF said in its statement.
The ministry is in possession of ISL clubs’ proposal but is yet to receive the corresponding proposition from I-League teams.
In the AGM, several retired Supreme Court and High Court judges along with other top-ranking officials were appointed as chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of AIFF’s independent judiciary committees as per its newsly-adopted constitution.