Indian Super League Clubs Face Financial Uncertainty Ahead of Deadline

PANAJI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued a 24-hour deadline for football clubs to confirm their participation and preferred format for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL). This request comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the financial responsibilities of the clubs involved.

According to insiders, clubs are expected to respond to the AIFF before the Thursday deadline, but at least eight teams are likely to ask for further clarification on financial matters. Without securing a commercial partner, many top-tier clubs are unwilling to take on additional financial burdens.

"Why should the clubs pay for everything?" questioned one official, highlighting that the AIFF, which owns the league, has yet to commit any financial support. "The clubs should not be left to bear all the financial responsibilities, especially in a situation where there will not be a central revenue share or sponsorship funding."

The AIFF’s ISL coordination committee, consisting of three members, has held five meetings with club representatives over the past week. However, as of now, there is no confirmation regarding the league format or the participation of all 14 clubs when the season is set to commence next month.

In a letter sent to club chief executives, M Satyanarayan, the deputy secretary general of the AIFF, stated that the federation must present the results of these discussions to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports by January 2.

The AIFF has requested clubs to confirm their participation by January 1, as all clubs need to compete in at least 24 league matches for India to secure a place in the Asian football competitions. However, time is running short for a fully-fledged league, as player contracts and the current season officially conclude on May 31.

Jamshedpur FC has publicly stated its commitment to participating in any league format announced by the AIFF, citing the importance of supporting Indian football. In contrast, Odisha FC has expressed doubts about their involvement due to potential extra costs associated with participation.

Notably, the Supreme Court is also scheduled to reconvene on January 5, which may require stakeholders to provide relevant documents based on legal counsel.

Discussions among clubs have indicated a preference for a more cost-effective single-leg format at a centralised venue, likely in Goa. This would entail each team playing a total of 12 matches, leading to a cumulative total of 78 games, which represents a significant reduction since the league transitioned from a tournament structure in 1996-1997.

The traditional home-and-away format has been deemed impractical as many clubs are not equipped with ready venues and would incur substantial expenses to prepare them for matches, including ensuring they are spectator-friendly.

If the league adopts the proposed single-leg format, clubs estimate they would need to contribute approximately Rs 4.5 crore each to cover organisational costs, in addition to expenses for accommodation and transportation for a duration of 90 days.

As the deadline approaches, the future of the ISL remains uncertain, with clubs weighing their financial capabilities against the backdrop of a tightening timeline.