Guwahati, June 4, 2026: In a significant development for Indian football, Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have collectively proposed a new two-year club-led pilot model for running the league and have firmly rejected the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) proposed ₹1 crore participation/entry fee.
The clubs’ proposal aims to provide stability to the ISL amid ongoing disputes over governance and commercial rights. Under the plan, the clubs would take charge of league operations for the next two seasons, with the goal of improving commercial performance, enhancing stakeholder alignment, and increasing the overall value of Indian football before committing to any long-term agreements.
Key Elements of the Clubs’ Proposal
- Club-Led Operations: For a period of two years, the ISL clubs would collectively manage the league’s day-to-day operations, including scheduling, marketing, and revenue generation strategies.
- Payment to AIFF: The clubs have offered to pay the AIFF ₹15 crore annually for the commercial rights of the top-tier league. This amount is higher than the approximately ₹12.4 crore assured by Genius Sports as administrative fees for the 2026-27 season.
- Rejection of Entry Fee: The clubs have unanimously refused the ₹1 crore participation fee proposed by the AIFF, describing it as a unilateral decision that was not agreed upon by any club.
This unified stance emerged after multiple meetings among club owners, who believe the current market conditions do not fully reflect the ISL’s growth potential. The clubs argue that a short pilot phase will allow them to demonstrate the league’s true commercial worth and create better long-term value for all stakeholders.
Background of the Dispute
The proposal comes against the backdrop of prolonged negotiations between the ISL clubs and the AIFF regarding the future structure and commercial rights of the league. Uncertainty surrounding the 2026-27 season had prompted several clubs to reconsider their participation. Multiple commercial bids, including those from Genius Sports and FanCode, have been under discussion, but differences over revenue sharing, governance, and control have stalled progress.
The clubs view the two-year pilot as a practical middle-ground solution that guarantees the AIFF a steady annual payment while giving clubs greater operational autonomy.
What Lies Ahead
Talks between the ISL clubs and the AIFF are continuing. The AIFF had earlier set deadlines for clubs to confirm participation, but the new proposal could reshape the timeline and structure of future agreements. If accepted, the pilot model may lead to a more balanced and sustainable framework for Indian club football.
This development highlights the growing influence of ISL clubs and the ongoing push for better governance and commercial maturity in Indian football. Further updates are expected in the coming days as both sides work towards a resolution.
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