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As reported by TimesofIndia.com, the clubs argued that the upcoming season – which is set to start on February 14 in a shortened format – should be considered a “virtual force majeure”.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!“In its revised structure, the Indian Super League is entering a phase that differs substantially from previous seasons in terms of commercial certainty, governance arrangements and financial risk allocation. The league is currently operating in an environment marked by structural transformation, the absence of assured commercial revenue and significantly increased financial risk for participating clubs,” the 14 ISL clubs said in a joint letter.“It is respectfully submitted that the league requires a defined stabilization period of approximately three (3) to five (5) years to restore commercial confidence, establish predictable operating conditions, allow owners to reassess long-term investment plans, and restore athletic and institutional stability.”“In the circumstances, the current season is more appropriately characterized as a season of ‘virtual force majeure’, necessitated by factors beyond the clubs’ reasonable control, rather than one conducted under standard commercial and sporting assumptions. To conflate irreversible sporting and financial consequences such as relegation to results arising from such unequal terms would risk undermining both sporting integrity and investor confidence.”Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya brokered the start of the ISL season on January 6 after meeting CEOs of AIFF and ISL clubs. The intervention was necessitated after the clubs and the AIFF failed to agree on a start date for the competition as there was no commercial partner.The current constitution of the AIFF, ratified by the Supreme Court, mandates promotion and relegation in India’s top division. It would also bring the ISL into line with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) statutes.In 2019, the AIFF, the clubs and then commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) accepted the AFC’s relegation proposal from the 2024–25 season. However, the ISL has seen the promotion of the I-League (second division) champions from the 2023–24 season, with Inter Kashi being the latest team to go up the ladder.
Financial burden, access to stadiums
Without FSDL, the league’s commercial partner since 2014, clubs are already reeling from uncertainty over revenue, access to stadiums and fixed-line broadcasting. Despite this, the clubs have agreed to another season of balance sheets to prevent further disruption. The ISL season will start five months later than originally planned.“Clubs currently operate without clarity and certainty around central commercial streams, broadcast revenue or sponsorship support across the league. At the same time, clubs are being asked to absorb a greater proportion of the operational costs associated with league participation, match operations, logistics and compliance.”“In this context, the financial stress of club owners has increased significantly and participation in the current season is being taken primarily as a measure to preserve the ecosystem rather than as a commercially viable exercise,” the note said.
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In addition, clubs have asked for government intervention in access to stadiums, with associated costs – police/security, fire safety, civic services – also set to rise.“Clubs respectfully request the support of the Ministry in:● Facilitation of access to stadiums and training facilities for ISL matches on preferential, subsidized or exempted terms for the next 3 years.● Expanding support, in coordination with state governments and local authorities, for the provision of essential match day services such as police, fire and civil support on concessional or waived terms; and● Ensuring the timely availability of venues and supporting infrastructure required for the smooth running of matches.”Other points mentioned in the letter relate to cost reduction in the short and medium term: rationalization of club license requirements, commercial support through PSUs and waiver of uplink and broadcast fees.