Policy Reform Battle in ISL: Clubs Demand Shared Governance and Transparency from AIFF

There are many ways in which a governing body operates with its constituent participants. It can be a federal setup where both are not binding decision-making bodies or a setup whereby the governing body makes binding decisions. The balance here is crucial.

This balance needs to be restored in terms of our Indian Super League clubs and their governing entity, AIFF. The clubs have urged a major policy insight to their governing body to make inclusivity a priority in two matters. The first is choosing the winner of the 15+5 years long commercial tender. Their second demand revolves around representation in the governing council for which they have asked for a working committee at the leadership level to increase transparency and accountability.

Looking at this from the league's perspective, they highlighted that they were “not fully satisfied with the manner in which the recent process (ISL tender) was conducted.”

“We believe that the commercial and governance framework surrounding the league is best approached through a collaborative process that meaningfully reflects the perspectives of those who fund, build, and sustain the competition over time.”

“The ISL represents a central pillar of the Indian football ecosystem… this is not only an operational matter but one that directly impacts ownership-level investment, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability.”

It is anticipated that AIFF will formalize the ISL Governing Council organization and proceed with important decisions regarding the commercial rights tender.Vigilance has to be kept on whether the suggested working committee gets incorporated into that structure or continues to operate independently. Because the tender is no longer the only pressing matter of concern for the clubs now. It also concerns who is allowed to sit at the table throughout the decision-making process.