Who will be the ISL league commissioner? Still no answer
The Indian Super League is set to start on 14th February. The definitive timetable is about to be revealed. The name of the broadcaster has been revealed, but who will serve as the league commissioner? Three names have been circulating. Chirag Tanna, Sunando Dhar, and Anil Kumar are the individuals. Despite the fact that all three are dodging this question.However, it’s been learned that All India Football Federation had planned to propose Anil Kumar for this role. Once Anil Kumar became the general secretary of AIFF, the Delhi High Court stayed the appointment that time. But this time again his name is on board. Is this a coincidence or is something else going on inside the federation? However, Anil Kumar denies this. He says, “It’s all rumors; there will be nothing happening like this. I did not receive any proposal like this. Everyone will be informed of the name within a few days. I am busy with other work now.” On the other hand, the same story is for Chirag Tanna and Sunando Dhar. It’s been heard that AIFF asked them for this post. Chirag Tanna and Sunando Dhar both of them got the same proposal for ISL League Commissioner Position. But both of them rejected this. When we contacted Chirg Tanna, he straightforwardly denied all the matter. He also says there is no proposal from the federation. Chirag Tanna says, “These are all rumors. I won’t get anything like this, and I also have not applied for anything. Rumors are spreading.” Now the question is who will be the ISL league commissioner. As the league will start on 14th of this month. It means there is only 10 days in hand. Everyone is waiting for this moment.
Odisha FC confirms participation; Four Clubs reportedly plan to select a neutral venue!
Odisha FC has confirmed its participation in the ISL this season, which means all the 14 clubs have given consent to take part in the shorter format of the League. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already announced that the ISL will start on 14th February. It has also been heard that now the clubs that have given consent are in a discussion process on venues. A few clubs want to play away, while some clubs are reportedly preferring to play home venues only. Mohammedan Sporting has confirmed Kishore Bharati Krirangan as their home venue, but it remains to be seen how many matches they will actually play there. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants have already confirmed that they want to play at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Four clubs that have given consents have reportedly revealed in the last meeting that they lack proper venues to play home matches. It is heard that these four clubs will be choosing a neutral venue to take part in their home matches. It is believed that the debutant in the ISL, Inter Kashi, has chosen Kalyani Stadium or Barasat Stadium as the venue to play their home matches.
ISL to start on 14th February with the ‘single-leg’ format; Prize money fixed at Rs 5.82 crore!
The stalemate of the last six months in the Indian Super League (ISL) finally ended with the Sports Ministry, All-India Football Federation, and representatives from 14 ISL clubs meeting in New Delhi. The ISL this season will start from 14th February and will be played in single leg home and away format. Although, Goa and Bengal were two tentative names to be chosen as venues for the ISL, it is learnt that venue has not yet been finalized. It will be selected depending on where the budget can be restrained. “Due to a court dispute, there was a lot of uncertainty about the League, but today the government and AIFF, along with club representatives of all 14 clubs, have decided to start the league again,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya briefed the reporters on Tuesday. The club representatives were present from all 14 clubs: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammaden FC, Inter Kashi FC, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, SC Delhi, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, and FC Goa. Last week, in an official statement, the AIFF said the Emergency Committee met on 3rd January to consider and acknowledge the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee. The Coordination Committee was formed on December 20, 2025, after discussions held during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting and the subsequent Annual General Meeting. Earlier, in AIFF’s emergent executive committee meeting, held virtually on Tuesday morning, it was decided that the AIFF would contribute Rs 10.3 crores, amidst the approximate budget of Rs 40 crore, to conduct the League this season. The executive committee also heard an assurance from the Federation’s top brass about finding a ‘new investor’ who could come forward with financial support from the next season. The AIFF top brass also revealed in the meeting that talks are already on with a couple of broadcasting companies, including Doordarshan. Still, the most concerning part is the production and broadcasting of the IUSL this season. The AIFF has reportedly earmarked only Rs 9.77 crore for production and transmission under the lower-cost option. In recent seasons, broadcast and transmission-related expenses reached around Rs 70 crore per season. Such a drastic reduction points to a visible dip in production quality, which could directly affect broadcaster interest and, in turn, sponsorship value. Prize money has been fixed at Rs 5.82 crore, while governance, refereeing, digital marketing and legal expenses account for the remaining outlay. There is no allocation for youth leagues or parachute payments.
AIFF disappointed with a few ‘clubs’ intrigues! Clubs to be relegated to lower division on refusal!
Sudeep Pakrashi: The All India Football Federation-appointed three-man committee, which has taken the initiative for the resumption of the stagnated ISL this season, offering them proposals in more than a couple of meetings since last week, is extremely disappointed with a few clubs’ intrigue to extend the delay so that ISL does not resume this season! In reply to AIFF Deputy General Secretary Satyanarayan’s letter to the clubs, seeking their confirmation about the participation in the League, Sporting Club Delhi sent a reply email, mentioning that on behalf of all the 13 clubs, they seek clarification on five specific points before confirming the participation in the ISL this season. Among the five specific clarifications, the reply emphasized the AIFF’s financial contribution to the League, as it is their property. Secondly, the reply email pointed out that there was no participation fee to be paid to the AIFF in the League, and the third point, mentioned in the reply, was the requirement of government support, which could minimize the participating clubs’ expenditure to stage their respective home matches. It is believed that AIFF is ready to reveal its financial contribution to the League along with the clubs. Even if the Federation seems willing to break its Fixed Deposit and contribute to the League. But only after the clubs confirm their participation in the League, as two centralized venues have been initially decided to stage the league this season. More significantly, even though Sporting Delhi FC’s reply-email was sent, mentioning on behalf of all 13 clubs, it is learnt that at least eight among the 13 clubs, including NorthEast United FC, Inter Kashi, FC Goa, do not agree with Sporting Club Delhi FC’s reply-email and they want to take part in the League along with Jamshedpur FC who already have expressed willingness to participate in the League in a new model this season. One of the top AIFF officials, when asked about the issue, revealed on condition of anonymity, “Only a few, four to five clubs are making this plotting game. They do not want the ISL to be resumed. The AIFF has been criticized constantly throughout the whole episode. But we have created a platform for them through a model where ISL can be resumed. AIFF is ready to announce its financial contribution. But unless the confirmation about participation is there, we cannot reveal.” At the same time, AIFF has also initiated the primary discussions with the state governments, where two centralised venues have been proposed. AIFF seems optimistic about the respective state governments’ co-operation by providing stadiums, free of cost, and a few other logistical supports. It is learnt that the three-man committee, in its report, submitted to the AIFF top brass after observations and recommendations, has mentrioned AIFF should bear the cost of refereeing and broadcast production, while Clubs should organise home matches as they had done in previous editions. Secondly, the AIFF should levy a participation fee of ₹1 crore per Club. The commencement date of the ISL will be announced as early as possible. The AIFF should finalise the short-term competition format in consultation with the Clubs, and in the absence of consensus, the league owner is to finalise the format without permitting further delay or digression. Any Club refusing to participate should be disqualified and relegated to the immediate lower division. The league commencement date should be declared without any further delay. The Committee also presents, apart from the above modality, another proposal listed below after the conclusion, in the interest of kick-starting the 2025-26 league as early as possible.
Thirteen clubs reluctant to take financial burden! AIFF receives the reply
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued the letter on Wednesday to the ISL clubs, seeking confirmation of their participation in the ISL for this season by Thursday. It is believed that 13 clubs, except Jamshedpur FC, have expressed unwillingness to take up the financial burden. It is also believed that these eight clubs have decided to seek additional details pertaining to financial expenditure. Replying to the point, Satyanarayan explained, “We will surely confirm our part of the whole expenditure. But before that, we need to be confirmed about clubs’ participation and the format they accept.” Significantly, Dhruv Sood, the CEO of Sporting Club Delhi, has sent a reply email to the AIFF on Thursday, mentioning five specific points for clarification. The five specific points are as follows: Financial Responsibility in the Absence of a Commercial Partner – That, in the absence of an appointed commercial partner and/or broadcaster, and until such time as commercial rights are formally transferred or monetised, the AIFF—being the rights holder and operator of the league—shall assume financial responsibility for league-level organisational and operational costs for the 2025–26 season, in accordance with principles of sound financial governance and risk allocation envisaged under the NSGA and the minimum standards of the ISL product as discussed in the joint budgeting exercise. No Participation Fee for the 2025–26 Season – That, having regard to the proposed truncated format, the absence of a settled commercial revenue model, and the requirement under the NSGA to avoid disproportionate or arbitrary financial burdens on regulated entities, there shall be no participation fee payable by clubs for the 2025–26 season. Cost Allocation for the Interim Season – That the majority of league-level costs required to deliver the 2025–26 season shall be borne by the AIFF, with clubs continuing to meet only their respective team-related and routine operational expenses, ensuring that clubs are not exposed to indeterminate or open-ended financial liabilities contrary to principles of financial certainty and institutional stability under the NSGA. Time-Bound and Accountable Long-Term Roadmap – The AIFF shall place on record a clear, time-bound roadmap for execution of the long-term plan, including defined timelines and accountability for the appointment of a commercial partner and/or broadcaster, finalisation of the league’s revenue, governance, and risk-sharing framework; and transition to a financially self-sustaining competition model consistent with statutory governance norms. Government Support to minimize costs – That, in view of the exceptional, transitional, and systemic nature of the present circumstances, and consistent with the NSGA’s recognition of government facilitation to preserve institutional continuity and sporting integrity, the AIFF shall actively seek commercial or institutional support from the Government of India to help make the interim 2025–26 season sustainable. Dhruv Sood’s reply-mail has been signed by Mohun Bagan Super Giants, Emami East Bengal FC, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Punjab FC, Inter Kashi, North East United FC, and Odisha FC. The AIFF’s ISL-co-ordination three-man committee has already met the clubs for more than a couple of times since last week. But no confirmation from the clubs has been made yet either on the format or the number of teams. All teams must have take part in 24 league matches in a season to earn an Asian spot. The AIFF is required to submit the result of these meetings to the Union Sports Ministry on 2nd January and the matter is expected to be discussed by Supreme Court after 5th January. The footballers’ contract and the season officially ends on 31st May!
Bengaluru FC’s Football Director expresses surprise with AIFF’s hurriedness over the ISL this season!
Bengaluru FC’s director of football, Darren Caldeira, pointed out the All India Football Federation’s hasty approach towards organizing a shortened version of the ISL for the 2025-26 season. Caldeira wrote on his X account, ‘While we all continue to work tirelessly towards a solution, asking clubs to commit to a league overnight despite there being limited clarity on commercial partners, broadcasters, AFC compliance, and costs incurred seems a bit rushed.’ He pointed out the lack of urgency shown by the AIFF over the past months. He added, “I do understand the time sensitivity, given that December has now passed. However, in that context, the sudden sense of urgency is a little unexpected, particularly given the absence of similar urgency over the past months.” The Federation had previously met with the clubs on 28th December to discuss a solution for the 2025-26 season, where the teams questioned whether India’s spots in Asia (continental competitions) would remain despite a shortened season. The AIFF has now asked for confirmation about the exact number of clubs that will play this season and the format, so that the quantity of matches per club can be ascertained. Satyanarayan, the deputy secretary general of AIFF, wrote a letter to all ISL clubs, requesting them to also confirm their preferred format in the league, so that the federation can request an exemption from the Asian Football Federation (AFC) accordingly. According to the AFC rulebook, a team must play a minimum of 24 matches to be eligible to participate in Asian competitions. However, a shortened season would mean there would be significantly fewer matches, and the AIFF would thus seek a special exemption from the AFC.
AIFF wants to be assured of clubs’ participation before floating a fresh tender within 10 days
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sought confirmation from Indian Super League (ISL) clubs for participation in its 2025-26 edition, before preparing to float its premier League’s tender soon. Consultancy firm KPMG has been tasked to prepare a request for proposal (RFQ) document, keeping in mind AIFF’s 20-year proposal to clubs on 26th December. The AIFF is reportedly planning to float fresh tenders within 10 days. But before floating a fresh tender after the first one failed to receive any bid, AIFF wants to be assured of participation from clubs and format for the current edition. “AIFF is required to submit the outcome of these meetings to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before 2nd January, 2026. Further, the Honorable Supreme Court is scheduled to resume after vacation on 5th January 2026, and all stakeholders may be required to file relevant documents in accordance with legal advice,” AIFF’s deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan wrote in a letter to CEOs of ISL clubs on Wednesday. “In this regard, you are requested to kindly confirm the participation of your respective clubs and the proposed competition format, enabling AIFF to formally communicate with the Asian Football Confederation, including the actual number of matches to be played in the tournament for the 2025-26 season. However, Multiple discussions have happened between AIFF and clubs over the last seven days, though no formal agreement has been reached over budget, if and format for the current season. A section of the clubs wants a commercial partner, similar to AIFF’s erstwhile partner FSDL, to be roped in to shoulder a part of the operational costs to relieve them of the extra burden. Differences also remain over the estimation of budgets, with clubs evaluating it to be around Rs 77 crore while AIFF expects it to be in the region of Rs 35-42 crore, depending on the venue. Matches in the three venues of Kolkata and the suburbs would cost a bit less than in the two grounds of Goa. In internal discussions on Wednesday, a single-leg format in Goa has emerged as the preference for clubs, a final decision on which would be taken on Thursday before it is sent to AIFF. Each team will play 12 matches for a total of 78 matches in this format on two venues (six training grounds), the cost of which has been kept at around Rs 40-42 crore. With no matches even at the start of the new year, and time being of the essence for a February 5 to 7 tentative start, AIFF set a 24-hour cut-off time for clubs’ response.
Kerala Blasters mull over pulling out of the ISL after Odisha FC; Clubs worried about no commercial partner and obtaining AFC slot
After Odisha FC, another ISL club, Kerala Blasters, is mulling pulling out of the country’s top-tier league, and they are reportedly planning to shut down! It is believed that the club has assessed that it could face losses of up to Rs. 40 crore if ISL runs a truncated season without a commercial partner, mainly due to no home matches, ticket revenue, or central income. Other ISL clubs also seem worried as AIFF’s centralised plan could cross Rs. 60 crore in costs. Goa leg alone is likely to be staged against the approximate expenditure of Rs. 42 crore. The clubs have to possibly pay Rs 2.5 crore each. Still, the ISL clubs seem to be worried about the fewer matches of a single-leg League and also anxious about whether the AFC will allot slots, and finally, no commercial partner has been roped in. So, the uncertainty grows as usual. Despite the uncertainty, ISL and I-League players based in Goa have reportedly been called for practice sessions. Most players based in Goa have already left to join their respective clubs.
AIFF eyes centralized venue and waits for AFC slots to resume ISL
The Indian Super League (ISL) this season, even if it can be resumed, has a chance of being staged at only two or three centralized venues. With any new commercial partner yet to be confirmed, the AIFF and the clubs (seven ISL clubs attended the meeting virtually), in a scheduled meeting on Monday, spent the whole day on budgeting of the ISL this season in a new format. Along with the budgeting, which is expected to take shape in Tuesday’s meeting again, AIFF is also likely to appeal to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC,) whether they allot any slot for the ISL champions in any AFC club competitions if a single-leg League or the League is staged at centralized venue.s. Simultaneously, AFC is expected to get confirmation from the AIFF about the number of teams participating in the League this season. However, one of the AIFF officials, when asked whether it would be possible for the Federation to resume the League without the support of FSDL, revealed on condition of anonymity, “We are sure that the ISL will resume this season and it will take off from the next season.”
AIFF optimistic about ISL clubs’ consent to its 20-year proposal; also finds interest from new corporates!
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) seems optimistic that the clubs that were handed a long-term (20-year) proposal to run the country’s top-tier football league on Friday will finally agree. The Federation is waiting for the clubs’ consent in the next crucial meeting on 29th December, scheduled at the Football House in New Delhi. The club representatives, however, will reportedly convince the respective club owners before agreeing to the AIFF proposal. They are also expected to confirm the model of the ISL, proposed by the three-man committee. AIFF, however, is aware that with the resumption of the ISL this year, operated by the clubs themselves, it will not be able to gain financial profit. But it is believed that three multi-national corporate houses have expressed a desire to invest in Indian football in the near future. They are reportedly keen to join the ISL as commercial partners, but from the next season. It is also believed that once the AIFF gets clubs’ official consent in its 29th December meeting, the Federation has planned to appeal to the Union Sports Ministry to ask the respective state governments to come forward with their support for the ISL clubs who will be hosting their home matches, after choosing the proposed model.
