ISL Clubs Warn AIFF Of Possible Shutdown If Impasse Continues: 'Over Past 11 Years...'
Eleven ISL clubs warned AIFF of potential shutdowns due to the unresolved Master Rights Agreement with FSDL, impacting Indian football, livelihoods, and international readiness.
Eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they 'face the real possibility of shutting down entirely" if the ongoing impasse regarding the future of the top-tier domestic competition is not resolved soon.
In a letter written to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the clubs stated that the crisis arising from the non-renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the national federation and the ISL organisers, FSDL, has 'paralysed professional football in India".
What Did ISL Clubs Write In Letter To AIFF?
'Over past 11 years, through sustained investment and coordinated effort, clubs have built youth development systems, training infrastructure, community outreach programmes, and professional teams that have elevated India's footballing credibility both domestically and internationally," the clubs wrote in the letter sent on Friday.
'This progress is now in imminent danger of collapse. The current standstill has created immediate and severe consequences. With operations suspended and no certainty on league continuity, several clubs face the real possibility of shutting down entirely."
The crisis surfaced after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the ISL organisers as well as AIFF's commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season 'on hold" on July 11 due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA, prompting at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries.
'The 2025-26 ISL season is at risk of not taking place at all. This is not merely an administrative deadlock — it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the gravest of circumstances," the clubs wrote.
'The trust painstakingly built with fans, sponsors, investors, and international footballing bodies over the past decade will be irreparably damaged if the league remains in limbo."
The letter was signed by Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC, and Mohammedan Sporting. Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter.
Detailing the risk of club closures and livelihood loss, the letter stated, 'More than 2,000 direct livelihoods — players, coaches, medical staff, analysts, kit managers, groundsmen, administrative staff — hang in the balance, alongside countless indirect livelihoods dependent on the league.
'Clubs face a season where revenue from tickets, merchandise and other avenues will be reduced to zero. Potential sponsors have already started backing out, looking at the scenario that the ISL is in.
'This is a huge financial blow that clubs will not recover from this year and it will affect payout of salaries to players and staff in the immediate future, besides making several stakeholders contemplate a complete and permanent shut-down of their respective clubs."
The clubs said the impasse will also impact India's readiness for international matches, stating 'without a functioning league, our national team will be severely disadvantaged in upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments".
They also mentioned that without the ISL, they will not be able to play a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions, thereby risking suspension of Indian clubs from AFC tournaments.
'The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) mandates a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions. Without ISL, this requirement cannot be met, putting India at risk of suspension from all AFC and FIFA tournaments," the clubs said.
'FIFPRO, the global players' union, has already apprised FIFA of the situation, increasing the likelihood of external scrutiny and possible sanctions."
On Thursday, the AIFF agreed to mention the ongoing issue concerning the ISL before the Supreme Court on Monday. The apex court has reserved its judgement in the case relating to the draft constitution of the AIFF.
The decision to apprise the SC of the crisis situation was taken after a meeting of the legal representatives of the clubs and the AIFF. A reliable source said that the AIFF is willing to file a written application if the Supreme Court asks for one.
'We fully appreciate that related matters are before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. However, from the record of recent hearings, it appears that the immediacy and scale of the crisis have not been clearly conveyed to the Hon'ble Court," the clubs said.
'The human cost, the threat of clubs folding, the risk of losing our place in AFC/FIFA competitions, and the reputational harm to India's footballing image demand urgent action on our part.
'We therefore respectfully request the AIFF, as the regulator of Indian football, to urgently mention this matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on Monday, 18 August 2025, and to append this letter to present the unified concerns of all ISL clubs before the Hon'ble Court."
The clubs said they are ready to support the AIFF in the case through their counsels, though they are not parties to the proceedings before the SC.
'Immediate collective action is the only way to preserve Indian football's future, safeguard livelihoods, and protect the country's standing in the global football community. We remain committed to working alongside the AIFF to achieve a resolution."
(With inputs from PTI)
About the Author
Sports Desk
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
aiff indian super league
view comments
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
August 16, 2025, 21:32 IST
News sports ISL Clubs Warn AIFF Of Possible Shutdown If Impasse Continues: 'Over Past 11 Years...'
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Empty slots: Players in contention for the last two spots for India in Asia Cup squad
While most names in the Asia Cup squad may face little debate, two spots may prompt some discussion when the selection panel meets on Tuesday. Here's looking at the choices and what they bring to the table: Mohammed Siraj: After his indefatigable display in England, the only logic that should keep him out of the squad would be the much-debated workload management. If there's any player deserving of a rest, it's Siraj, who played every match of the five-Test series, bowled the most overs and got the most wickets and was instrumental in India earning a share of the spoils. Crucially, he ran in from his first ball to his last, and never let up in pace. Harshit Rana: He is known to lose pace and energy in later spells, but shouldn't have much trouble in managing four overs. He has caught the eye with wicket-taking spells for both franchise and country, and isn't lacking in aggression, as he showed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth late last year, before losing his wheels in Adelaide. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has seen what he is capable of while being in charge of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Prasidh Krishna: He got better as the England series progressed, but is known to thrive more in conditions that offer bounce and some lateral movement. The tall pacer has got all the tools, but whether he would be the ideal bowler for the pitches in Dubai is debatable. His best performances in an India shirt have come when he has been handed responsibility, often in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, as was seen in Sydney and more recently at The Oval. Shreyas Iyer: If the selectors take a call on pure batting pedigree, they don't have to look beyond the player who led two different franchises, both with the willow especially against spin and his leadership, to IPL finals in two successive seasons. He brings calm and game awareness and can set the game up and also finish it. Shreyas has developed a swagger of late and commands respect in whichever dressing room he finds himself in. The player who defined the last IPL should logically be in the Indian T20 side. Rinku Singh: He has been designated a finisher by his IPL team as well as when he has turned out in India colours, often limiting the number of balls he gets to face. Winning a game for his team by hitting five successive sixes in the final over is a rare occurrence, and that freak achievement, while bringing him into the national spotlight, has pigeon-holed him as an endgame player. It doesn't help that Gambhir doesn't like to designate any player as a finisher in his team. Riyan Parag: He has been earmarked as a promising talent but has not quite delivered, at least not on a consistent basis. He has played the odd impressive knock for Rajasthan Royals, but is not known to win games for his side. The Assam player has a second string to his bow in the form of his part-time off-spin, but that's usually good for only a couple of overs. Selectors have been waiting for the 23-year-old to show a mature head on his shoulders to stake a viable claim to a spot in the national side. Washington Sundar: He did all that was asked of him in England – save a Test, hit some big blows in the company of the tail making the vital difference between victory and defeat, while getting crucial wickets with his underrated off-spin. His skill-set would be useful in Dubai, and he was part of the side that won the ICC Champions Trophy there earlier this year. It helps that Gambhir is fond of depth, in both batting and bowling.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
3,00,000 jobs at risk? Experts say THESE sectors likely to get impacted due to Trump tariffs on India
There are concerns among experts that increased tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on Indian imports into the United States, will have a negative impact on jobs in the affected sectors, PTI reported. According RP Yadav, founder and CMD of workforce solutions and HR services provider Genius HRTech, the hiked US tariffs are expected to significantly impact India's employment landscape in industries heavily dependent on the US market for growth and continuity. Sectors such as agriculture, auto components, gems and jewellery, and textiles are likely to be among the worst impacted, as per Yadav. He added that even within these sectors, it is the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who will bear the brunt. Yadav estimates that between 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 jobs are at immediate risk. Further, the labour-intensive textiles industry alone could potentially lose 1,00,000 jobs, if the tariff regime continues beyond the next six months, he added. He added that in the gem and jewellery sector, including units in Surat and SEEPZ in Mumbai, 'thousands of jobs are at risk due to reduced demand and cost escalation in the US market', he added. However, not all agree. Balasubramanian Anantha Narayanan, Senior VP at TeamLease Services, feels that unlike China, India is largely a domestic consumption driven economy. Thus, any impact from the US tariffs would not impact jobs. 'At this point in time, we aren't seeing any signs of a slowdown or loss of jobs. This also by extension means that our jobs are largely in service of domestic demand too, with the exception of some sectors like ITeS among others,' Narayanan said. He added, 'Our exports to the USA are $87 billion, which is roughly about 2.2 per cent of our overall GDP. Largely pharma, electronics etc. won't be affected for now, which will further limit the export exposure to industries such as textiles, gems and jewellery among others.' Further, Narayanan noted that the full 50 per cent tariff hike comes into effect later this month on August 27, and it is possible that some negotiations could happen before that. He added that positives from the recently announced free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK and other countries, could possibly make way for the redirection of Indian goods, rather than a complete shut down of the exports. 'Even if these US tariffs do come about, we'll definitely figure out a way of redirecting or diversifying our trade to other markets. Therefore, at this point in time, we aren't seeing any signs of a slowdown or loss of jobs. It's an evolving situation and we'll get to know more in due course of time,' he feels. Aditya Mishra, MD and CEO of CIEL HR also feels that while the US tariff scenario is unsettling for Indian exporters, especially those in the auto components, electronics, engineering goods, footwear, gems and jewellery, leather, shrimp, and textiles, widespread layoffs appear unlikely at this stage. 'Companies are already in cost-containment mode, reducing discretionary spending, streamlining production, and freezing hiring. The immediate pressure will be on temporary and contract roles, particularly shop-floor workers, artisans, sales and logistics staff, and some mid-level managers in export-led units. This will have a cascading effect on thousands of MSMEs in the supply chain, which collectively account for a large share of employment,' Mishra felt.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Stuck in a loop: India's stagnant marathon scene
Mumbai: Three decades into his triple jump world record of 18.29m from the 1995 World Championships, Jonathan Edwards had this to say to BBC this month about it remaining untouched: 'I don't think it's a good sign for athletics as a sport that you have a record that stands for 30 years.' File image of Man Singh, winner of this year's New Delhi Marathon. (Mumbai Marathon) Every word of that sentence could also well apply to the men's marathon national record in India. Except, that mark goes much further back. The late Shivnath Singh's marathon national record of 2:12:00 set in 1978 in Jalandhar still stands the test of time. As per Athletics Federation of India (AFI) data, it remains the longest standing national mark, with PT Usha's 400m hurdles record of 1984 also equalled in 2023. Two of the country's prominent marathon races, in Mumbai and New Delhi, had Indian winners clock timings around the 2:17 and 2:15 mark. It's pretty much where India's male marathoners have been stuck over the last five years, after Gopi T came close to the national mark when he clocked 2:13:39 at the 2019 Seoul Marathon. In an event where global runners are constantly pushing the threshold – Kelvin Kiptum set the current world record of 2:00:35 in 2023 before his untimely death aged 24 – the Indians have stagnated for quite a while. 'For almost a decade, Indian marathon has been stuck in a loop – one that hovers around the 2:15 mark,' said Nitendra Singh Rawat, the 2016 Rio Olympian with a personal best of 2:16:05. A glaring ailment to that loop not breaking for a bigger leap, concur athletes and coaches, is the lack of a core group of marathoners training together. Surinder Singh Bhandari, India's renowned distance runner turned coach, recalled having a group of 10-12 runners training just under him between 2014 to 2016. Three of them – Gopi, Kheta Ram and Rawat – qualified for the Rio Games where the first two clocked PBs in the 2:15s. For last year's Paris Olympics, no Indian marathoner made the cut. This year, AFI added to the decentralisation by doing away with long-duration national camps. 'Nowadays, marathoners are scattered. And camps have also been done away with. For long distances, training in one place under one coach with a proper group helps,' said Bhandari. 'When the three of us trained together, we pushed each other,' said Kheta Ram (PB 2:15:26) of the Rio trio. 'Now most train on their own.' Rawat said: 'Ideally, 10-12 runners should be identified, supported and clubbed into a group to train together. The focus should be on a group, rather than individuals.' That group, according to both Olympic marathoners, would also benefit from a lengthy training block outside India. Both cited the example of Gulveer Singh, who rewrote the 5,000m and 10,000m national records last year, training in USA's Colorado Springs where India's other distance runners including Avinash Sable were also based. Sable, currently out injured, was later based in Bengaluru. 'We used to have weekly practice plans. Maybe in a country with better marathoners, they make monthly programmes. We need to go out and understand such things,' said Kheta Ram. AFI has, over the last few years, sent India's race walkers and relay teams for training blocks abroad. 'We need to spend 5-6 months training with runners in the 2:05-2:10 region, no matter the country. We have to observe the training methods and technology advancements of those better groups and countries,' Rawat said. Marathoners of those better countries have been aided by advancements in shoes and running equipment, which has not only challenged the world benchmark frequently but also upped qualification standards. At the 2019 Mumbai Marathon, Rawat's timing of 2:15.52 was enough to clear the 2019 World Championships qualifying cut. For next month's Tokyo Worlds, that cut is 2:06:30. The fast-evolving super shoes may have changed the pace of marathon running, yet it hasn't translated to faster times in India. 'Shoes have made a big impact overall,' said Kheta Ram. 'For Indians, they can be expensive. Some can afford it, but even for them it hasn't impacted timings to that extent.' 'In India,' said Bhandari, 'athletes can win medals and rewards with a timing of 2:15 or so. And most are happy to be in that comfort zone.' It comes back to that loop, where Indian marathon lies in danger of retreating. 'We will have to get out of that loop soon,' said Rawat.
