The All India Football Federation announced on Wednesday that it will discuss the proposal made by Indian Super League clubs to form a consortium to own or operate the top-tier league during its Annual
General Meeting on December 20.
In a communication addressed to FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur and the chief executives of all ISL clubs, the AIFF stated that the proposal, suggested by the clubs as a solution to the ongoing commercial impasse, would require deliberations and approval by the Executive Committee and the AGM.
“We can explore Point No. 12 mentioned in your email dated 2025, which states that ‘the AIFF consider a framework under which the clubs collectively form a consortium…’. For this, we need to discuss the matter and seek approval in the AIFF EXCO and the AIFF AGM scheduled on 20th December 2025,” the AIFF said in a letter.
The Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) — which organises ISL — ended on December 8, leaving the top-tier league without a commercial framework or operational certainty going forward.
In a letter to AIFF dated December 4, the 12 clubs suggested that if a revised tender could not find a suitable commercial partner, the AIFF should “consider a framework under which the ISL clubs may collectively form a consortium to own/operate the league (as majority owners), alongside the Federation and aligned commercial/broadcast/private investors.”
“We recall that when we met on 12th and 18th November 2025, we also discussed the possibility of organising this league jointly. We had expected that by 19th or 20th November 2025 we would receive a judgment on the IA filed by the ISL clubs, but as we sit here on 10th December 2025, nothing has changed,” AIFF said.
“Therefore, I suggest that a conference/virtual call be arranged at the earliest between the undersigned and the club representatives to work towards a mutual solution. This will allow AIFF to include this proposal in the agenda points of the AIFF AGM to be held on 20th December 2025.”
The 12 ISL clubs involved in this move are: FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC, Odisha FC, and Mohammedan Sporting.
Referring to the email from the clubs that contained 12 points, AIFF said: “Some of these points are contradictory, some are sub judice; and certain timelines suggested by you are not feasible as per the Constitution.
“Leaving these points aside, we request you to work towards finding a possible solution. Over the last 10-15 years, the marketing partner and clubs have jointly made significant investments to bring meaningful changes to Indian club football.
“To safeguard these investments, it is necessary that we work on a war footing to minimise any loss of time. We agree that a long-term solution is needed. However, football must not lose its continuity, and therefore, the league should commence at the earliest.”
AIFF assured that it “will take all necessary steps, strictly in accordance with the Constitution and by following the direction of the Supreme Court, to address the concerns raised by you and the prospective bidders. At the same time, we believe that a comprehensive solution cannot be achieved overnight.”
(With Inputs From Agencies)
