New Delhi, Aug 10 (PTI) All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey on Sunday admitted that club football “is going through crisis” due to the uncertainty over the future of the country’s top-tier league ISL and said a collective effort is needed to tide over it.
Following the July 11 decision of Indian Super League organisers FSDL to put the 2025-26 season “on hold” due to the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) signed with the AIFF in 2010, three clubs have either paused first-team operations or suspended salaries of first-team players and staff.
“It is true that we are going through crisis for which we are not responsible. Some self-claimed reformers with vested interests have created this situation. I believe, by the grace of God, we will collectively be able to tide over this crisis,” Chaubey told PTI in an interview.
Chaubey also expressed surprise at 11 ISL clubs urging it to urgently bring the “current situation” of Indian football to the attention of the Supreme Court before which a case relating to the constitution of the national federation is pending.
The ISL clubs, in a letter, said that they will have no option but to seek judicial recourse independently if the AIFF does not act on their request. Out of the 13 ISL clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter.
“This matter was discussed in the meeting (on August 7 in Delhi) with all 13 club CEOs … therefore, receiving this letter from them within 24 hours was a surprise to us. This mode of communication could have been avoided,” he said.
“Anyway, as I said, AIFF will do everything possible for the promotion and development of football, which includes ensuring match time for players.” Asked whether the AIFF can approach the Supreme Court to seek clarity on the matter, he said, “We are seeking legal advice on this possibility.” On August 7, the AIFF had said that there will be another meeting with the clubs to fix the date of Super Cup, which could be held in September to give players competitive matches.
“In the next few days, we are going to take legal advice. After that, we may meet the clubs again, but that will be after August 17 only.” “This is our third year (more specifically 35 months) of AIFF Executive Committee in office, and for the first time, all club CEOs jointly met us. We welcomed them and discussed five important agendas that require immediate attention.
“We will meet again to follow up on our discussion,” he said when asked about any mitigation plan to offset the revenue losses of the clubs.
Can the AIFF host ISL on its own? ====================== With the ISL in limbo, Chaubey was asked whether the AIFF can host the the league on its own.
“All options are open. However, a collective agreement and subsequent decision by all stakeholders would be better,” he replied.
The first meeting between the AIFF and FSDL to discuss the renewal of the MRA signed in 2010 took place in February and Chaubey refused to comment when asked why there was a delay on that count.
“I cannot comment on this. But as and when required, AIFF has been and will always be available for any meeting regarding the development of football.” Asked if FSDL is trying to arm-twist the AIFF, he said: “I don’t think so. This league has brought significant changes to Indian football through huge investments in stadium infrastructure, field of play, player salaries, production and broadcasting, quality foreign expertise (including coaches and players), international partnerships, and brand enhancement through the involvement of eminent personalities from cricket and the cinema industry.
“I believe that if this investment continues, with a focus on systematic youth development, then in the next 10 years, the Indian national team’s ranking and performance can both improve.” PTI PDS PDS AH AH
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