ISL clubs push club-led model as shutdown threat grows
ISL club owners have proposed a club-led operating model and warned of potential shutdowns unless the AIFF resolves a commercial rights deadlock that is freezing budgets and contract decisions ahead of next season.
Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have proposed a club-led structure to run and commercialise the league, escalating pressure on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as executives warn that multiple teams could shut down without urgent clarity on revenues and governance.The proposal, circulated by 13 of the 14 ISL clubs, seeks to keep core operating and commercial responsibilities with the clubs while limiting Genius Sports to a data and technology role, in a bid to cut costs and regain control of local market execution.FC Goa chief executive Ravi Puskur said: “Some of our players are out of contract by the end of the month, and we cannot offer them an extension, plan for next season or even make a budget considering there is no clarity for the future.”The push comes as the AIFF weighs bids for ISL commercial rights on a 15+5-year cycle, with clubs arguing that the current process risks worsening a fragile financial picture that has already reduced central revenues and weakened sponsorship momentum.In a letter sent on behalf of the clubs, Bengaluru FC chief executive Darren Caldeira wrote: “The presentation did not outline a detailed framework for how the ISL would be structured and operated under the proposed partnership. "There was also no clear articulation of the strategy for commercialisation of league rights, nor were any financial projections, business models, or supporting quantitative analyses provided.”The clubs’ model envisages a new entity to run the league, with the AIFF holding a 10% ownership stake and the clubs holding the remaining 90%, while the federation retains oversight on sporting governance, integrity and discipline.Clubs also offered to protect the AIFF’s guaranteed income by paying the same annual fee the federation would receive under the Genius Sports proposal, a move designed to reduce resistance from the governing body while shifting commercial execution back to the clubs.The AIFF said it has received the proposal and is reviewing it, but signalled it needs more detail before changing course ahead of its Special General Meeting on May 23.AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan said: “We are studying it and need further details from the clubs and will move forward as per the SC, AIFF Constitution, RFP, our EC and General Body instructions. The AIFF will work with the clubs and commercial partner to ensure the ISL grows into a strong global league.”The immediate trigger is a dispute over how commercial rights and costs would be allocated under competing bids, with the AIFF reported to favour an offer worth about Rs 64 crore per year from Genius Sports, while clubs have leaned towards a lower bid from FanCode that they say better reflects sustainable league economics.Clubs have also pushed back on a proposed increase in the annual entry fee, arguing that treating teams as the plug for central shortfalls will force owners to reconsider participation.SC Delhi chief executive Dhruv Sood wrote: “Should the proposed model be implemented in its current form, a significant number of ISL clubs will be compelled to reconsider their continued participation. Such an outcome would have severe consequences for the ecosystem, impacting thousands of players, coaches, support staff, and associated stakeholders.”Club owners are due to meet AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey on May 22, a session that has become the key commercial milestone for stabilising next season’s planning cycle and avoiding further contraction risk across India’s top-tier professional game.