A new controversy has swept Indian football as ten Indian Super League (ISL) clubs collectively voiced their dismay at the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) delay in the tendering process for the seasons to come. The clubs, in a united display, accused the AIFF of a “breach of trust” and lack of transparency and that the delay has greatly impacted their planning and threatened the future of the league.

As per reports, the AIFF had previously vowed to release a new media and commercial rights tender long before the beginning of the 2025–26 season. But months have gone by with no concrete update, and clubs are left in the dark regarding revenue sharing, sponsorship alignment, and broadcasting deals. The clubs submit that such uncertainty is “unacceptable” for a league that was dreamt to be the professional face of Indian football.

Clubs’ Collective Statement and Core Concerns

The ten ISL clubs — including big guns Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Kerala Blasters FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, and Jamshedpur FC — are said to have dispatched a formal letter to the AIFF leadership. In the letter, they expressed disappointment over what they describe as “administrative negligence” and “failure to honor agreed timelines.”

The clubs claim that the AIFF had assured in a series of meetings that the tender for commercial and media rights would be completed by mid-2025. That deadline was important as the clubs rely on such deals for financial stability and forward planning. The delay, they say, threatens to lose them sponsors and makes it difficult for them to take important decisions about player contracts, marketing initiatives, and grassroots initiatives.

One of the officials of the club, while requesting anonymity, stated, “The AIFF’s nonchalance is harming the ecosystem. The clubs are the backbone of the ISL, and yet we are being left in the dark regarding the league’s commercial prospects. This is not the way a professional setup should work.”

‘Breach of Trust’ and Transparency Issues

Maybe the most hurtful of the allegations lodged by the clubs is the “breach of trust” one. They accuse the AIFF of having previously discussed involving the clubs in the decision-making process involving the tender — but the talks never ensued. They instead accuse the federation of being evasive about the developments and prospective partners in question.

Another senior club executive remarked, “We were promised collaboration, but what we’ve seen is complete silence. It feels like the federation is taking decisions in isolation, without understanding how much uncertainty this creates for us.”

The clubs have asked the AIFF to forthwith release a timeline of the tender process and make public all communications pertaining to it. They’ve also requested clarification regarding the future model of the ISL, such as revenues’ distribution and the role of the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which has had a crucial role in conducting the league since its establishment.

AIFF’s Response and Possible Fallout

Though the AIFF is yet to make an official announcement, sources in the federation assert that the tender process is “in progress” and that “due diligence takes time.” Officials insist that the federation has been keen on ensuring that the new commercial partner makes significant contributions towards the development of Indian football.

However, the clubs appear unconvinced. Several are reportedly considering collective legal consultation to ensure that contractual obligations are met. The standoff, if prolonged, could have major ramifications for the upcoming ISL season — potentially affecting scheduling, broadcasting, and even player registration deadlines.

Impact on Indian Football’s Image

The public spat between the AIFF and its elite clubs has once again shone the light on governance issues in Indian football. As the game was just getting traction with the enhanced performances of the national team and greater fan interest, the controversy runs the risk of stalling progress.

Experts say that these internal disagreements might deter future investors and partners. The ISL, initially promoted as a blueprint for Indian football’s modernization, would lose credibility if its commercial and administrative structures remain unstable.

What Lies Ahead

For the time being, the clubs have presented the AIFF with a brief window to react before they take their grievances further. They have called upon the federation to adopt a fixed tender calendar and include the representatives of the clubs in all key decisions in the future.

If the AIFF does not move fast, however, the solidarity exhibited by the ten clubs might mature into an influential lobby calling for structural transformation in the federation. Most insiders see this incident as a potential watershed moment — either precipitating

increased professionalism and openness or aggravating the current chasm between clubs and administrators.

As one club CEO put it, “We are not merely stakeholders; we are partners in the development of Indian football. It’s time the federation treats us that way.”

In a sport desperate to climb on the Asian ladder, the next few weeks will decide if Indian football can achieve balance — or fall further into chaos.