ISL clubs run out of patience, write to AIFF over delay in starting league

Ten Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have written to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the delay in appointing a commercial partner. The deadline for concluding the formality was October 15, as agreed upon by the AIFF in the Supreme Court.

"While the Super Cup has since been organised and clubs have agreed to participate in good faith, activating teams at this stage has already involved significant logistical and contractual implications, from assembling squads, securing venues, and confirming operational commitments to re-engaging staff and vendors. These decisions have been made trusting that the AIFF would act in accordance with its submission to the Supreme Court and bring clarity to the league's immediate future," read a statement issued by the clubs.

"As of today, there has been no tender document released, no communication on the next steps, and no transparency on where the process currently stands. It is very evident that we are yet to even begin the process, let alone complete it. The lack of communication from the AIFF has been deeply disappointing, and the silence surrounding this matter has caused further erosion of confidence among clubs and other stakeholders.

"We wish to reiterate that clubs have continued to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate and support Indian football's larger ecosystem, but this goodwill cannot continue to be taken for granted. The uncertainty has made financial planning, sponsorship discussions, and player commitments nearly impossible to sustain. Moreover, the current situation represents a breach of trust, one that risks undoing the collective progress made in professionalising Indian football over the past decade."

The ISL, which is the premier men's football league in India, has been suspended as the AIFF and its earlier commercial partner, FSDL, failed to renew a Master Rights agreement to commence the season that was scheduled to begin in September.

The AIFF had informed the apex court that it will conduct an open, competitive and transparent tender for the selection of a commercial partner.

The FSDL had agreed to waive its contractual right of first negotiation and right to match under the Master Rights Agreement, which was in place since December 8, 2010.