AIFF Faces Backlash from 10 ISL Clubs Over Delayed Tender Process

On August 28, during a still-pending hearing on the AIFF’s statutes, the AIFF and ISL organizers FSDL had submitted a “consensual decision” to the Supreme Court, with the national federation agreeing to “conduct an open, competitive and transparent tender (process) for the selection of a commercial partner” to organize the top-flight league.

In this decision, AIFF also agreed to complete the process by October 15 so that the new league season can start in December.

With the deadline missed, 10 clubs (Chennaiyin FC, Punjab FC, Hyderabad FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, NorthEast United, Kerala Balsters, Odisha FC, Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC) criticized the AIFF for lack of accountability and transparency.

Three Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting were not included in the letter.

“It has been made clear that in accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the subsequent joint submission made by AIFF and FSDL, an open and transparent tender process to appoint a new commercial partner for the league will be initiated and completed by 15 October 2025,” the clubs said in a letter to the AIFF president and executive committee. he said.

“It is clear that we have not even started the process, let alone completed it. “The lack of communication from the AIFF has been deeply disappointing and the silence surrounding this issue has led to a further erosion of trust between clubs and other stakeholders.

“Moreover, the current situation represents a breach of trust that risks undoing the collective progress made in the professionalisation of Indian football over the last decade.”

In its September 2 order, the SC had directed former judge Justice (retd) Nageswara Rao to supervise the entire tender process. AIFF then constituted a three-member panel headed by Justice Rao. He also announced the selection of KPMG India Services LLP as the consultancy firm to manage the national federation’s commercial rights monetization process.

The AIFF has also decided to hold the Super Cup tournament, a domestic tournament open to clubs at multiple levels, in phases from October 25 to November 22 to ensure timely start of the football calendar in the country and ensure continuity of competition.

The 10 clubs expressed disappointment over the delay in the bidding process to select the AIFF’s commercial partner after agreeing to participate in the Super Cup “in good faith”.

“While the Super Cup has since been organized and clubs have agreed to participate in good faith, mobilizing teams at this stage already involved significant logistical and contractual implications, from establishing squads, securing venues and confirming operational commitments to the re-engagement of staff and vendors,” the 10 clubs said. he said.

“These decisions were taken with the confidence that the AIFF would act in line with its submission to the Supreme Court and bring clarity to the immediate future of the league. However, as of today, no tender documents have been published, there is no communication on the next steps and there is no transparency as to where the process currently stands.”

Clubs said uncertainty around the bidding process made financial planning, sponsorship discussions and maintaining player commitments almost impossible.

“We would like to reiterate that clubs continue to demonstrate their willingness to collaborate and support the wider ecosystem of Indian football, but this goodwill cannot continue to be taken for granted.

“Uncertainty has made financial planning, sponsorship discussions and maintaining player commitments almost impossible. We therefore urgently request the AIFF to clarify:

Status of the tender process and when it will be announced; Recommended timeline for completing the selection process.

“It is deeply disappointing that such a letter has to be written once again. The continued lack of clarity leaves all stakeholders with no choice but to seek accountability and transparency in the governance of the sport.”

The crisis emerged in the country’s domestic game after FSDL, the ISL organizers and AIFF’s commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season “on hold” on July 11 due to uncertainty over the renewal of the Principal Rights Agreement (MRA) with the national association, leading to at least three clubs either pausing first-team operations or suspending player and staff salaries.

The current MRA, signed in 2010, expires in December 2025.