Amend Commercially Restrictive Clauses In Constitution During AGM: ISL Clubs To AIFF

Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Thursday urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to amend the "commercially restrictive" clauses of its constitution during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 20, in another reminder that the domestic game may collapse if immediate steps are not taken. All the ISL teams, except for East Bengal, said the AIFF should transfer the long-term rights of the top-tier league to the clubs if the national federation is unable to bring the necessary amendments or provide a commercially viable framework.

"...the AIFF should either expressly support removal of commercially restrictive clauses in the Constitution, or itself undertake these amendments at the forthcoming AGM on 20 December 2025," the clubs wrote in a letter to the AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey.

"Thereafter, the federation along with the support of the Government and the Clubs proceed to transparently identify an appropriate commercial partner.

"If the AIFF is unwilling or unable to support the necessary amendments or provide a commercially viable framework for the league, then the only logical solution is for the Federation to transfer the long-term rights of the league to the Clubs." Thursday's letter from the ISL clubs came after a missive a few days back in which they had asked the AIFF to consider a framework under which they (the ISL clubs) may collectively form a consortium to own/operate the league as majority owners, alongside the national federation and aligned investors in case a suitable commercial partner is not found.

A recent tender floated by the AIFF for the commercial rights of the ISL could not find any bidder.

"Clubs must have commercial flexibility, including the ability to attract sponsors, investors, and long-term partners. This is not possible until the commercially restrictive clauses in the AIFF Constitution are amended or removed. Without this change, no sustainable league structure can be built, regardless of good intentions," the letter said.

In the earlier letter of December 5, the clubs had even said that under the new AIFF Constitution, the national federation "possesses the authority to amend its own statutes including those impeding commercial operation of the league-without requiring judicial directions." In its reply to Thursday's letter from the clubs, the AIFF said the options remain limited as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter.

"As the matter is currently sub judice before the Hon'ble Supreme Court, and with the report already submitted by Justice L. N. Rao to the Court, our options remain limited," AIFF deputy secretary general K Satyanarayan wrote in his reply to the clubs.

"At present, there are two possible approaches: 1. To await the final directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court; or 2. To collectively explore an amicable alternative solution." He said any proposal from the clubs will need to be placed before, and approved by, the AIFF Executive Committee and the General Body, scheduled to meet on December 20.

He said he is requesting for a meeting with representatives of all ISL clubs to discuss the early commencement of the league.

"Please be informed that the AIFF is in active communication with all stakeholders to arrive at a viable solution. It is important that we collectively deliberate on a practical and feasible way forward." The latest letter written by Mohun Bagan Super Giant director Vinay Chopra on behalf of all the clubs said they are "fully prepared -- consistent with global best practices -- to either solely or jointly operate, commercialise, and develop the league, including through securing sponsors, broadcasters, commercial partners, and strategic investors".

"The time for procedural exchanges, meetings without purpose, and administrative delay has expired... such a meeting must have clear, time-bound decisions, not reiterating constraints that have been known for months.

"The stakes are existential... Indian football faces the genuine risk of losing its only professional league, investors, sponsors, and the confidence of fans. Time is rapidly running out."

'EC view not taken before suggestion to discuss formation of consortium'

On Wednesday, the AIFF had suggested that the proposal made by the ISL clubs to form a consortium to own or operate the top-tier league may be discussed during its AGM on December 20.

But AIFF Executive Committee members Avijit Paul and Valanka Alemao were not happy at the suggestion to discuss the formation of consortium without prior discussion with the panel.

"The Exco is the highest decision-making body in the AIFF, and to bypass it in any form is against the rules and regulations and the constitution of the AIFF.

"... The issue is highly sensitive in nature and is related to the long-time financial health of the AIFF.

"It is hugely disappointing that you have decided to jump the gun and enter into a dialogue in this regard by keeping Exco and General Body in the complete dark," Paul said in a letter addressed to Satyanarayan.

In a separate letter, Valanka, also the Women's Committee chairperson, asked Satyanarayan as to why he was making proposals to the clubs without the knowledge of the EC members and "without known authorisation".

"In the light of...Constitutional provision, no private entity can be permitted to organise the league. So how can there be a possibility for the 'AIFF to explore the possibility under which ISL clubs may collectively form a consortium'," Valanka wrote in the letter addressed to Satyanarayan.

"No such item is on the AGM agenda either. With football coming to a standstill, the federation is being seen in very poor light by all and sundry. The Executive Committee needs an explanation from you regarding your intentions in trying to provide avenues which breach Constitutional provisions."

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