Indian Football Faces Uncertainty as ISL Clubs Asked to Step In

New Delhi: Indian football remains in a state of uncertainty as major structural and commercial questions continue to hang over its top competitions. Clubs from the Indian Super League have been asked to submit a proposal to form a consortium that could take responsibility for running the league, even as preparations for the upcoming season remain incomplete.
The move comes ahead of the All India Football Federation’s Annual General Meeting, where representatives of all ISL clubs have been invited to participate. The proposal is expected to outline how clubs can collectively manage league operations, a step being considered amid unresolved commercial arrangements following the conclusion of the previous long term agreement that governed the league’s structure and revenues.
Discussions on the consortium idea were held during a virtual meeting involving federation officials, club representatives and government authorities. Clubs have been asked to submit their proposals within a short timeframe so the matter can be reviewed during the AGM. However, there is no clarity yet on whether the proposal will receive immediate approval or translate into a workable solution before the new season begins.
Complicating matters further is the ongoing transition to a new constitutional framework for the federation. Any amendments or decisions linked to governance can only take effect once the federation’s general body is fully reconstituted under the revised rules. Possible changes under upcoming national sports legislation may also influence how Indian football is administered in the near future.
At the same time, the Indian Women’s League is set to begin its season on December 20 without a title sponsor. Efforts to finalise a commercial partner did not succeed, leaving the competition without secured marketing and revenue backing at the start of the campaign. The absence of a sponsor highlights persistent challenges in monetising women’s football despite growing participation and visibility.
Together, these developments underline a broader period of flux for the sport in the country. With the men’s top league lacking a clear operational framework and the women’s league starting without commercial support, stakeholders face mounting pressure to stabilise governance, restore confidence and ensure continuity across Indian football.