The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday said it will discuss a proposal by Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to form a consortium to own or operate the country’s top league at its annual general meeting on December 20.
In a communication addressed to FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur and the CEOs of all ISL clubs, the AIFF acknowledged the clubs’ proposal that was put forward as a potential solution to the ongoing business uncertainty. The federation said the matter would require discussion and approval by both the executive committee and the general assembly.
“We may look into Point No. 12 mentioned in your email dated 2025 which states that ‘AIFF is considering a framework under which it will collectively form a consortium…’. To this end, we need to discuss the matter and seek approval at the AIFF EXCO and AIFF AGM scheduled for December 20, 2025,” the federation said in its letter.
The uncertainty follows the expiry of the Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on 8 December. With the termination of the contract, the league currently has no defined commercial structure or operational framework.
On 4 December, all 12 ISL clubs wrote to the federation that if the revised tender process did not yield a suitable commercial partner, the AIFF should “consider a framework whereby the ISL clubs can collectively form a consortium to own/operate the league (as majority owners), along with the federation and associated commercial/broadcasting/private investors.”
The association also referred to previous discussions in its response to the clubs. “We would like to remind you that when we met on November 12 and 18, 2025, we also discussed the possibility of organizing this league together. We expected to receive the IA judgment filed by the ISL clubs by November 19 or 20, 2025, but as we sit here on December 10, 2025, nothing has changed.”
The AIFF suggested that the two sides meet again soon. “Therefore, I suggest that a conference/virtual call be arranged between the undersigned and the club representatives as soon as possible to agree on a mutual solution. So that the AIFF can include this proposal in the agenda items of the AIFF AGM to be held on 20th December 2025.”
12 clubs 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 are behind the joint proposal.
The federation also highlighted concerns about several elements in the clubs’ 12-point email. It read: “Some of these points are contradictory, some points are judgmental; and certain timelines you propose are not constitutionally feasible.”
“These points aside, we ask you to work towards a possible solution. It goes without saying that over the last 10-15 years, the marketing partner and the clubs have collectively made significant investments and footballs to bring meaningful change to Indian club football.”
“To secure these investments, it is necessary that we work on a war footing to minimize any loss of time. We agree that a long-term solution is needed. However, football must not lose continuity, which is why the league should start as soon as possible.”
The federation added that it will proceed strictly in accordance with legal and constitutional guidelines. It said it will “take all necessary steps, strictly in accordance with the Constitution and as directed by the Supreme Court, to address the concerns raised by you and potential bidders. At the same time, we believe that a comprehensive solution cannot be achieved overnight.”
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 10, 2025
