The AIFF–ISL Three-Member Co-ordination Committee has called for urgent and decisive action to kick-start the 2025–26 Indian Super League season, submitting a strongly worded report to the All India Football Federation president after weeks of talks with ISL clubs.
The committee, comprising Navas Meeran of the Kerala Football Association, Dr. Caitano José Fernandes of the Goa Football Association, and Anirban Dutta of the Indian Football Association (West Bengal), held multiple meetings with clubs between December 22, 2025, and January 2, 2026. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan participated as an ex officio member.
At the heart of the report is a clear warning: further delays are harming Indian football. To prevent continued uncertainty, the committee has instructed AIFF to immediately announce the ISL start date and finalise a short-term competition format without further discussion if consensus cannot be reached. It has also stated that any club refusing to participate should face disqualification and relegation to the lower division.
Discussions initially stalled after clubs declined to accept two short-term league models presented by AIFF, instead asking for clarity on the long-term future of the league. In response, the committee worked with federation officials to draft a broader roadmap, which was broadly welcomed. With that assurance in place, attention returned to launching the upcoming season.
Financial responsibility emerged as a major point of debate. Clubs sought clarity on operational costs and liabilities before committing, while also proposing a joint approach with AIFF to the Government of India for infrastructure support and PSU sponsorships. The possibility of floating a fresh RFQ for a long-term, 20-year ISL structure was raised, but AIFF clarified that such a move would require approval from the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
In its recommendations, the committee proposed that AIFF bear the costs of refereeing and broadcast production for the 2025–26 season, while clubs continue organising home matches as in previous years. A participation fee of ₹1 crore per club was also suggested to meet basic expenses.
ISL clubs, however, have responded cautiously. Thirteen clubs, excluding Jamshedpur FC, informed AIFF they are willing to participate only if conditions are confirmed in writing. They opposed the participation fee, citing a shortened season and uncertain revenues, and argued that AIFF, as league owner and rights holder, should cover league-level costs if no broadcaster is secured.
Despite the differences, movement appears imminent. Following the committee’s report, AIFF confirmed that it will conduct the league and that the commencement date of the ISL 2025–26 season will be announced in the coming week. The decision signals a push toward stability, even as deeper questions about the league’s long-term structure remain unresolved.
