Clubs demand no participation fee, AIFF funding for ISL restart
The Indian Super League (ISL) has been facing an uncertain future, with the 2025-2026 season 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 demanded that there should be no participation fee and that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) should cover the operational costs of the league.
This move by the clubs is seen as a significant step towards finding a solution to the ongoing crisis in Indian football. The ISL, which is the top-tier professional football league in India, has been facing various challenges, including financial constraints and governance issues. The clubs’ demand for no participation fee and AIFF funding is aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of the league.
The participation fee, which is currently paid by the clubs to participate in the ISL, is a significant burden on the teams. The fee, which can range from several crores to tens of crores of rupees, is a major expense for the clubs, and many of them have been struggling to pay it. By demanding that the AIFF cover the operational costs of the league, the clubs are hoping to reduce their financial burden and ensure that they can focus on developing their teams and competing at the highest level.
In addition to demanding no participation fee and AIFF funding, 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 demand, as the ISL has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability in the past. The clubs want to ensure that the league is run in a professional and sustainable manner, with clear guidelines and regulations in place.
The AIFF, which is the governing body of football in India, has been facing criticism for its handling of the ISL. The federation has been accused of not doing enough to support the clubs and ensure the financial sustainability of the league. The clubs’ demand for AIFF funding and a clear roadmap for the league’s future is seen as a challenge to the federation to take concrete steps to address the issues facing the ISL.
The ISL, which was launched in 2014, has been a significant success in terms of popularity and viewership. The league has attracted some of the biggest names in Indian football, including Sunil Chhetri, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, and Sandesh Jhingan. However, despite its success, the ISL has been facing various challenges, including financial constraints, governance issues, and a lack of transparency.
The clubs’ demand for no participation fee and AIFF funding is seen as a significant step towards addressing these challenges. The move is expected to put pressure on the AIFF to take concrete steps to support the clubs and ensure the financial sustainability of the league. The AIFF is expected to respond to the clubs’ demands soon, and it remains to be seen how the federation will address the issues facing the ISL.
In conclusion, the demand by thirteen ISL clubs for no participation fee and AIFF funding is a significant development in the ongoing crisis in Indian football. The move is seen as a challenge to the AIFF to take concrete steps to address the issues facing the ISL and ensure the financial sustainability of the league. The clubs’ demand for a clear, time-bound roadmap for the league’s future is also a crucial step towards ensuring that the ISL is run in a professional and sustainable manner.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the AIFF will respond to the clubs’ demands. One thing is certain, however – the future of the ISL hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the AIFF takes concrete steps to address the issues facing the league. The Indian football fans will be watching with bated breath as the drama unfolds, hoping that the ISL will resume soon and that the beautiful game will continue to thrive in India.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/292a827d-c3c4-4cd5-a4cf-6feefaf14e41
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