Clubs demand no participation fee, AIFF funding for ISL restart
The Indian Super League (ISL) has been facing a tumultuous period, with the 2025-2026 season being delayed due to various reasons. However, in a recent development, thirteen of the fourteen ISL clubs have come together to express their willingness to participate in the delayed season, provided certain conditions are met. The clubs have stated that they “may be ready and willing” to participate in the league if there is no participation fee and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) covers the operational costs.
This move by the clubs is seen as a significant step towards finding a solution to the ongoing impasse. The ISL has been facing financial struggles, and the participation fee has been a major point of contention among the clubs. By demanding that the AIFF cover the operational costs, the clubs are essentially asking the federation to take on a more significant role in supporting the league.
The clubs have also requested a clear, time-bound roadmap for the league’s long-term commercial, governance, and financially sustainable structure. This is a crucial aspect, as the ISL has struggled to establish a stable financial model since its inception. The clubs are seeking a more sustainable and transparent approach to governance, which would enable them to plan for the future with greater confidence.
The AIFF, on the other hand, has been facing its own set of challenges. The federation has been under pressure to reform the Indian football structure, and the ISL has been a key part of these efforts. The AIFF has been working to establish a more robust and sustainable framework for Indian football, and the demands made by the ISL clubs are likely to be taken into consideration.
The participation fee has been a major point of contention among the ISL clubs. The fee, which is paid by each club to participate in the league, has been seen as a significant burden. The clubs have argued that the fee is too high and that it is unfair to expect them to pay such a large amount, especially given the financial struggles that many of them are facing.
By demanding that the AIFF cover the operational costs, the clubs are essentially asking the federation to take on a more significant role in supporting the league. This would not only help to reduce the financial burden on the clubs but also enable the AIFF to play a more active role in shaping the future of the ISL.
The request for a clear, time-bound roadmap for the league’s long-term commercial, governance, and financially sustainable structure is also a significant aspect of the clubs’ demands. The ISL has struggled to establish a stable financial model, and the clubs are seeking a more sustainable and transparent approach to governance. This would enable them to plan for the future with greater confidence and make more informed decisions about their participation in the league.
The AIFF is likely to take the demands made by the ISL clubs seriously. The federation has been under pressure to reform the Indian football structure, and the ISL has been a key part of these efforts. The AIFF has been working to establish a more robust and sustainable framework for Indian football, and the demands made by the ISL clubs are likely to be taken into consideration.
In recent years, the ISL has gained significant popularity, and it has become one of the most-watched football leagues in India. However, the league has struggled to establish a stable financial model, and the participation fee has been a major point of contention among the clubs. By demanding that the AIFF cover the operational costs and provide a clear, time-bound roadmap for the league’s long-term commercial, governance, and financially sustainable structure, the clubs are essentially asking the federation to take on a more significant role in supporting the league.
The future of the ISL remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the clubs are willing to work with the AIFF to find a solution. The demands made by the ISL clubs are significant, and they have the potential to shape the future of the league. The AIFF must now consider these demands and work towards establishing a more sustainable and transparent approach to governance.
In conclusion, the demands made by the ISL clubs are a significant step towards finding a solution to the ongoing impasse. The clubs are willing to participate in the delayed season, provided the AIFF meets their demands. The participation fee has been a major point of contention among the clubs, and the request for a clear, time-bound roadmap for the league’s long-term commercial, governance, and financially sustainable structure is a crucial aspect. The AIFF must now consider these demands and work towards establishing a more robust and sustainable framework for Indian football.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/292a827d-c3c4-4cd5-a4cf-6feefaf14e41
About the Author
