The Football Council of India is gearing up for a crucial meeting in the battle for ISL commercial rights
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set for a crucial Special General Body (SGM) meeting on Saturday as Indian football’s governing body prepares to discuss the future commercial structure of the Indian Super League amid growing tensions between the federation and ISL clubs.
The meeting is expected to focus heavily on the league’s next commercial partner, proposed constitutional changes and the wider future structure of Indian football after one of the most chaotic seasons in ISL history.
In its official announcement, the AIFF confirmed that discussions during the SGM will include constitutional changes in line with the National Sports Governance Act 2025 along with commercial partnerships for the ISL, Indian Women’s League and the Super League Cup.
BATTLE FOR ISL TRADE RIGHTS TAKES CENTER STAGE
One of the most important talking points heading into the negotiations remains the commercial future of the ISL.
Genius Sports emerged as the highest bidder earlier this year with a reported proposal of Rs 2129 crore for the 15+5 year cycle. However, ISL clubs reportedly opposed the structure proposed under the bid.
Instead, several clubs are believed to be pushing for a club-led commercial model where Genius Sports would only remain as the league’s data and technology partner, rather than controlling the overall commercial ecosystem.
Under the proposed structure, the club-backed ISL franchises reportedly want the clubs to retain 90 percent of the league’s economic interests, while the AIFF would control the remaining stake.
The matter has become even more sensitive following the uncertainty surrounding the 2025-26 ISL season following the expiry of the main rights agreement between the AIFF and the FSDL.
The stalemate delayed the start of the league by several months and forced the season into a significantly shortened 13-match format, causing major financial and operational problems across clubs.
AIFF top officials are also expected to meet ISL club owners and representatives ahead of the SGM in a bid to find common ground on the competition’s future commercial structure.
AIFF FACES CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS
The SGM itself caused controversy even before its official opening.
AIFF executive committee member Valanka Alemao objected to the convening of the meeting, saying it could violate the provisions of the federation’s constitution approved by the Supreme Court.
In a legal notice sent to the AIFF, Alemao alleged that the federation had not finalized the required general body structure before convening the meeting.
According to the AIFF constitution, the general body must include:
- Representatives of all member associations
- 15 notable players, including at least five women
- Club representatives from ISL, I-League and Indian Women’s League
- Representatives from the ranks of referees and coaches
Alemao argued that the players’, referees’ and coaches’ associations have not yet been properly constituted and therefore the quorum requirements of the general body remain incomplete.
She also warned that continuing with the SGM under the current structures could potentially amount to contempt of the Supreme Court order under which the constitution was adopted.
Despite the objections, the meeting is expected to go ahead at a time when Indian football continues to struggle with administrative uncertainty, legal complications and growing concerns about the long-term stability of the ISL itself.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
22 May 2026 20:47 IST
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