New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and: Indian Super League (ISL) clubs came to the same platform on Wednesday to announce the agreement on a four-year club-led model at the top of Indian football. Under this, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be created to run the commercial aspects of ISL. If all 14 clubs participate, the AIFF will bear Rs 15.4 crore (Rs 1.1 crore each) as administration fee and 10 per cent of the net revenue.TimesofIndia.com understands that an agreement has been reached on three sticking points between the ISL clubs and the AIFF. independent audit of the SPV; 10% share of net profits and a termination clause.
The AIFF is responsible for refereeing, legality, integrity and anti-doping efforts as the national governing body.Over Rs 1.1 crore in the first year, the ISL clubs will contribute Rs 1.15 crore, Rs 1.20 crore and Rs 1.25 crore in the next three years. Clubs have the option to suspend this agreement after two years, but must give the AIFF due notice.“The ISL will be a commercial-led club model. A letter will be sent to all 14 teams asking them to pay participation fees. Based on their responses, a decision will be made on how to continue the league,” said AIFF Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayanan.“We planned it as a four-year model. After two years, the clubs can decide if they want to exit the model or continue. However, due to the development of things, it probably won’t happen,” he continued.
New Delhi: Deputy Secretary General of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) M. Satyanarayan addressed a press conference on the roadmap for the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, while FC Goa Vice President Ravi Puskur, left, looked on, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)(PTI07_08_2026_000159B)
The AIFF did not immediately accept the club-led model when it was proposed on May 14. But the position changed after a meeting with the Sports Minister. Mansukh Mandaviya on June 8.“(The) AIFF never stated that we are averse to a club-led model. In the past, there was an MRA (Master Rights Agreement) partner (FSDL), which ran the league. And then there was a Supreme Court decision that said that the AIFF must own and operate the league. So, based on that now, we are taking a little more ownership to do the league,” explained Satyanarayanan.
New Delhi: All India Football Federation (AIFF) Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan, center, FC Goa Vice President Ravi Puskur, left, and NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane during a press conference on the roadmap for the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)(PTI07_08_2026_000157A)
“Now, if it is a third party like Genius Sport that applies to manage the league or if our clubs come forward, they say we have the skills, we will run it. The right choice for us to make is to trust our clubs because they are one of our biggest stakeholders. And they know that if they don’t do it well, then they’re in trouble. So, this is the model,” he added.Under the new model, a new entity will be created, which will manage the functioning of the ISL. Its role will include, but not be limited to, attracting sponsors and broadcasters while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the clubs.“We have a professional team that we will look to appoint. You will see the announcements for the positions that will come out in the next days, possibly weeks, where the candidates will be interviewed very clearly among the people of the clubs and chosen by the AIFF to put on the panel to interview. And that professional team will make independent decisions in the league.
Do you support the four-year club-led model for the ISL?
3k+ users shared an opinion today
5k+ users have voted now
3k+ users shared an opinion today
“Even the fact, of course, that this professional team reports to the Governing Council with the representation of the club either at the level of Director or ownership. Which is clearly there to ensure that the continuity of the league is maintained.But otherwise, the professional team will run the day-to-day operations of the league,” he added.Genius Sports, which bid Rs 2,130 crore for the commercial rights of the ISL and the Federation Cup over a 15+5-year cycle, is still in the fray. Clubs are waiting to hear from the London-headquartered company now that the range has changed.