AIFF proposes 10-year ISL deal, FSDL disagrees with terms: Report
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has made a bold move by proposing a 10-year deal to Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to continue running the Indian Super League (ISL) with a clear calendar window and full commercial freedom. According to a report by TOI, the AIFF is willing to give FSDL a long-term contract, provided they are willing to work together on key issues like promotion and relegation.
The proposal has, however, met with disagreement from FSDL, which is reportedly unhappy with the AIFF’s demand for ₹50 crore per year or 10% of the total revenue from ISL’s marketing partners in 2026. The disagreement has led to a stalemate in the negotiations, leaving the future of the ISL uncertain.
The AIFF’s proposal is seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga of the ISL’s future. The league has been a huge success since its inception in 2014, with top Indian and international players participating in the competition. The AIFF’s willingness to give FSDL a long-term contract is a sign that they are keen to continue the league’s success, but the disagreement over financial terms has put a spanner in the works.
The AIFF’s proposal includes a clear calendar window for the ISL, which would ensure that the league does not clash with other domestic and international competitions. The AIFF has also offered full commercial freedom to FSDL, which would allow them to manage the league’s finances and marketing efforts without any interference from the AIFF.
However, the AIFF’s demand for ₹50 crore per year or 10% of the total revenue from ISL’s marketing partners in 2026 has not gone down well with FSDL. The demand is seen as excessive and unfair, as FSDL has already invested heavily in the league and has a significant stake in its success.
The disagreement over financial terms is not the only issue that needs to be resolved. The AIFF has also sought further talks on promotion and relegation, which is a key aspect of the ISL’s structure. The AIFF wants to introduce a system where teams that finish at the bottom of the table are relegated to the second division, and teams that win the second division are promoted to the ISL.
FSDL, on the other hand, is reportedly unwilling to agree to promotion and relegation, citing the financial risks involved. FSDL fears that relegation could lead to a decline in attendance and revenue, which could make it difficult for them to sustain the league.
The stalemate in the negotiations has left the future of the ISL uncertain. The league is currently in its eighth season, and the uncertainty surrounding its future is causing concern among fans and players. The AIFF and FSDL need to come to an agreement soon to ensure the continued success of the league.
In conclusion, the AIFF’s proposal for a 10-year deal to FSDL to run the ISL is a significant development in the league’s history. However, the disagreement over financial terms and the introduction of promotion and relegation has put a spanner in the works. The AIFF and FSDL need to come to an agreement soon to ensure the continued success of the league and to provide fans with the excitement and entertainment that they crave.
