New Delhi: A tense situation is escalating between Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Several clubs have issued warnings regarding their future involvement in the league, citing ongoing uncertainty about its direction.
In a joint statement released via their official social media accounts, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, Inter Kashi, and Sporting Club Delhi expressed significant concerns. “Given the continued uncertainty surrounding professional football in India, we are now compelled to review the extent of our commitment to the league beyond the current season,” the clubs stated.
The statement highlights financial pressures and the absence of a clear long-term vision as critical issues jeopardizing the league’s sustainability. The clubs pointed out that the recently concluded season was abbreviated to just over three months, operated on a one-leg format, which they deemed unsatisfactory.
“Our clubs have consistently invested in Indian football, often in difficult and uncertain circumstances, and remain deeply committed to its future. However, the lack of structural clarity, commercial clarity, and long-term visibility has made it increasingly difficult to justify the financial and operational commitments necessary for sustainable competition,” the statement added.
Central to the ongoing dispute is the commercial strategy of the ISL following the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited earlier this season. This deadlock significantly contributed to the shortened 13-match schedule for the 2025-26 campaign, which commenced in February.
A proposed long-term partnership with Genius Sports has emerged as another significant sticking point. Reports indicate that Genius Sports submitted the highest bid earlier this year, offering a 15+5 year deal worth Rs 2,129 crore. However, clubs are reportedly resisting the current structure of the agreement. Instead, ISL teams are advocating for an alternative model that would allow Genius Sports to serve as a data and technology partner while granting clubs the majority of the league’s commercial rights.
“At the heart of Indian football’s future must be a financially sustainable league. The clubs have proposed an alternative model which we believe is credible, constructive, and worthy of being assessed on merit alongside any other proposal before the AIFF,” the clubs emphasized in their statement.
The AIFF faces increased scrutiny as it approaches Saturday’s meeting, with concerns about the legality of the General Body structure adding another layer of uncertainty to the already fraught atmosphere in Indian football.
