Clubs demand no participation fee, AIFF funding for ISL restart
The Indian Super League (ISL) has been facing uncertainty and delays in its upcoming season, and the clubs have now come together to express their concerns and demands to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). In a significant development, thirteen of the fourteen ISL clubs have written to the AIFF, stating that they “may be ready and willing” to participate in the delayed ISL 2025-2026 season, but only if certain conditions are met.
The primary demand of the clubs is that there should be no participation fee for the upcoming season. This is a significant ask, as the participation fee has been a major source of revenue for the AIFF in the past. However, the clubs feel that the current financial situation of the league and the teams does not warrant the payment of a participation fee. The clubs have argued that the AIFF should instead focus on providing funding and support to the teams to help them recover from the financial losses incurred due to the pandemic and other factors.
In addition to the waiver of the participation fee, the clubs have also requested that the AIFF cover the operational costs of the league. This includes costs such as stadium rentals, security, and other expenses that are typically borne by the teams. The clubs feel that the AIFF should take on these costs to help reduce the financial burden on the teams and ensure that the league can be run smoothly and efficiently.
Another key demand of the clubs is that the AIFF provide a clear, time-bound roadmap for the league’s long-term commercial, governance, and financially sustainable structure. The clubs feel that the lack of clarity and transparency in the league’s governance and financial management has been a major issue, and that a clear roadmap is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the league.
The clubs’ demands are not unreasonable, given the current state of the league and the teams. The ISL has been facing significant financial challenges, and the teams have been struggling to stay afloat. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the league, with many teams facing significant revenue losses and financial difficulties. In this context, the clubs’ demands for a waiver of the participation fee and funding from the AIFF are reasonable and necessary to ensure the survival of the league.
The AIFF has a crucial role to play in addressing the concerns and demands of the clubs. The federation must take a proactive and supportive approach to help the teams and the league recover from the current challenges. This includes providing funding and support to the teams, as well as working to create a clear and sustainable governance and financial structure for the league.
The ISL has the potential to be a major success story for Indian football, but it needs the support and investment of the AIFF and other stakeholders. The league has already shown significant growth and improvement in recent years, with increasing attendance and viewership numbers, as well as improved performances by Indian teams in international competitions.
However, the league still faces significant challenges, including financial sustainability, governance, and infrastructure. The AIFF and the clubs must work together to address these challenges and create a sustainable and successful league that can compete with the best in the world.
In conclusion, the demands of the ISL clubs are reasonable and necessary to ensure the survival and success of the league. The AIFF must take a proactive and supportive approach to address the concerns and demands of the clubs, including providing funding and support to the teams, as well as creating a clear and sustainable governance and financial structure for the league. With the right support and investment, the ISL can become a major success story for Indian football, and help to promote the sport and create new opportunities for players, coaches, and fans.
The future of the ISL is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the clubs and the AIFF must work together to create a sustainable and successful league that can benefit Indian football as a whole. The demands of the clubs are a starting point for this process, and it is up to the AIFF to respond positively and work towards creating a bright future for the ISL and Indian football.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/292a827d-c3c4-4cd5-a4cf-6feefaf14e41
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