ISL clubs warn of withdrawal, seek AIFF clarity on Indian football’s direction

The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs Kerala Blasters FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sporting Club Delhi and Mumbai City FC, issued a joint statement on social media, warning of rethinking their commitment to the league and urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for clarity over structural and financial uncertainty around the ISL. In a joint statement issued on Friday through an Instagram post on Friday, the five ISL clubs warned they could reconsider their participation in the ISL unless long-term clarity is provided on the structure and commercial future of Indian football. "With deep concern and disappointment, the clubs of the Indian Super League wish to state that, 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 statement reads. Notably, the ISL, usually held from September to April every year, started on February 14 this year and ended on May 21 as it struggled to find any bidders. After months of uncertainty, the digital and TV rights for the league went to FanCode.

The league was put on a standstill due to differences between AIFF and the board's partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which stemmed from unresolved contractual matters. The clubs said they have continued to invest in Indian football despite challenges, but ongoing uncertainty over the league's structure, finances and long-term direction has made their commitments increasingly difficult to sustain.

"Our clubs have consistently invested in Indian football, often in difficult and uncertain circumstances, and remain deeply committed to its future. However, the continued absence of structural certainty, commercial clarity and long-term visibility has made it increasingly difficult to justify the financial and operational commitments required to compete sustainably," the clubs said in the statement. The clubs said Indian football has strong potential, but expressed frustration over the continued uncertainty faced by those investing in and supporting the league. "Indian football has the foundation to be far greater than it is today. It is therefore disappointing that those who have built, funded, promoted and sustained the league continue to face uncertainty over the very structure within which they are expected to operate," the clubs added. The clubs called for a financially sustainable future for Indian football, urging the AIFF to consider their proposed model and work with all stakeholders to create a stable and inclusive framework for the league.

"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 evaluated on merit, alongside any other proposal before the AIFF. We urge the AIFF to acknowledge the realities faced by those funding and operating the league, and work collaboratively towards a framework that is sustainable, inclusive and built with all stakeholders in mind," the statement added.