The All India Football Federation (AIFF) formed two separate committees after its annual general meeting on Saturday to discuss proposals of ISL and I-League clubs before formulating a plan to organize the country’s two topmost competitions.
Having received offers that would have only regulatory and statutory authority and rights fee amounts far less than what it has received from its erstwhile commercial partner, Reliance-owned FSDL (Rs 50 crore per annum on average), the AIFF has decided to explore whether it could conduct the league on its own.
ISL clubs insist they were compelled to put forward an offer where they would enjoy absolute authority over key areas since AIFF hasn’t yet put any plan for consideration.
The AIFF faced a blow as it announced a deficit of Rs 25.88 crore in the budget for January to May 2026, at the AGM.
Despite the acute financial crisis one of the senior executive committee members asserted that that AIFF itself would organize the league after some members expressed reservations n proposals of guaranteed income of Rs 10 crore from 2026-27 for grant of Rs 10 Crores perpetually and Rs 50 crore in 15 years from I-League sides (Rs 2.75 crore per annum for first five years, Rs 3.25 crore per annum for the next five and Rs 4 crore for the last 15).
No immediate indication was forthcoming regarding the procurement of funds to organize the two leagues. However, two separate four-member committees, involving three state unit officials and Deputy Secretary M. Satyanarayan as chairperson of both, would engage with the clubs to find a feasible way.
AIFF has a fixed deposit of Rs 50 crore, though it wasn’t instantly clear if it would be used in these times of acute stress.
The two committees would submit reports by 29th December, which could then be taken up by the Union Sports Ministry for placement in front of the Supreme Court when it resumes on 5th January in the new year after a winter break.
“If necessary, the AIFF will consult with FIFA and the AFC to review how similar situations in other nations were handled as precedents,” AIFF said in its statement.
