Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have taken a significant step toward shaping the future of Indian football by officially submitting a comprehensive proposal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), while also establishing a new managing committee to represent club interests.
The proposal, which incorporates recommendations agreed upon during a recent meeting with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, will now be placed before the AIFF’s general body for approval before any formal agreement can be finalized.
The discussions that led to the proposal involved ISL club owners, AIFF representatives, and former federation president Praful Patel. During the meeting, stakeholders agreed on a framework intended to guide the league over the next four years.
Under the proposed arrangement, each ISL club would contribute a fixed fee of ₹1.1 crore per season to the AIFF. If all 14 clubs participate, the federation would receive approximately ₹15.4 crore annually. The clubs also raised concerns regarding stadium-related expenses and sought government support to help address those costs.
At the heart of the proposal is the belief among club owners that they are best positioned to unlock the league’s commercial potential. Club officials argue that their direct involvement and understanding of the competition, its audience, and the football market provide an advantage over external operators.
Many clubs view their management of the ISL during the 2025-26 season as evidence of their capability to oversee league operations effectively. They believe that bringing administration and operational responsibilities closer to the clubs can streamline decision-making and create new commercial opportunities.
Several officials also contend that an internally managed structure would help reduce operational costs while giving clubs greater flexibility to develop sponsorships, partnerships, and other revenue-generating initiatives linked to the competition.
In a move aimed at strengthening coordination among stakeholders, the ISL clubs have formed a new managing committee. The body includes representatives from Sporting Club Delhi, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan SG.
The newly formed committee is expected to play a central role in discussions concerning the league’s future. It will act as a bridge between clubs and key stakeholders while ensuring that the collective interests of participating teams are represented in ongoing negotiations and decision-making processes.
With the proposal now awaiting approval from the AIFF’s general body, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining the governance and commercial direction of India’s top-tier football competition.
