New Delhi: gave Indian Super League (ISL) club and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) failed to reach an agreement. A club-led model was suggested. Through 13 of 14 clubs. East Bengal, ISL Championsare the only club not to have signed the proposal. The meeting was held in Kolkata with club executives and AIFF organizers attending in person or virtually.Subsequently, the AIFF informed the clubs that they would seek approval from the general body during the SGM tomorrow (May 23) to negotiate with Genius Sports for a 15+5-year commercial rights deal. In a social media post, the clubs said, “With deep concern and disappointment, Indian Super League clubs wish to inform that, given the continued uncertainty surrounding professional football in India, we are forced to review the extent of our commitment to the league beyond the current season.”The social media post has been released by Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, SC Delhi. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Supergiant, Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal, North East United, Jamshedpur FC, Inter Kashi, Punjab FC have not posted it at the time of writing.A source familiar with the development told TimesofIndia.com that the AIFF continues to lean towards Genius Sports’ proposal and is not keen on giving the club-led model a chance. Additionally, the governing body also expressed its intention to pocket a participation fee of Rs 1 crore from 14 clubs. As a result, the AIFF will have an annual income of Rs 26 crore, which it says will be used for ecosystem development and operations to run ISL.The ISL clubs are now planning to send a letter to the AIFF where they will suggest that no decision be taken on the commercial rights deal. Also, they have not ruled out the possibility of going to court.“Our clubs have consistently invested in Indian football, often in difficult and uncertain circumstances, and are committed to its future. However, the continued absence of structural certainty, commercial clarity and long-term visibility has made it difficult to justify the financial and operational commitments required to sustainably compete,” the social media post continued.“Indian football is much more grassroots than it is today. It is therefore disappointing that those who created, funded, promoted and maintained the league are facing uncertainty about the very structure within which they are expected to operate.Also read: ‘We are trying to provide for our families too’ – Sandesh Jhangan“At the heart of the future of Indian football must be a financially sustainable league. The clubs have proposed an alternative model.Which we believe is credible, constructive and worthy of examination on merits, along with any other proposal presented to AIFF.“We urge the AIFF to recognize the realities facing those who fund and run the league, and work collaboratively for a framework that is sustainable, inclusive and with all stakeholders in mind,” the social media post continued.Clubs have already said they are. Looking to close If the economic reality of the league does not change soon.
