July 8, 2026 at 11:07 AM 2 min readsportsanalysis

AIFF and ISL Ink Four-Year Club-Led League Model Agreement

Structural Overhaul:

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have formally agreed to a new four-year, club-led model for the country's top-tier football competition. Under the terms of the agreement, a specialized purpose vehicle will take over the commercial management of the league. This shift aims to decentralize operations, allowing clubs to exert greater influence over commercial strategy while the AIFF retains its role in oversight and governance. The deal includes a provision for clubs to exercise an exit option after two years, providing a structured framework for long-term planning and operational stability across the league.
Pulse Intelligence
AI Analysis
  • The AIFF and ISL clubs had been embroiled in disputes regarding commercial management and control of the league structure.
  • The new agreement establishes a clear separation between the AIFF's governance functions and the commercial operations of the ISL clubs.
  • Clubs will now have more autonomy in managing commercial revenue and league-related strategic decisions.
  • The AIFF will benefit from a consistent administration fee and a 10% share of net profits from the new vehicle.
  • The league structure is expected to see increased professionalization and long-term sustainability due to clearer operational roles.

The deal introduces a formalized revenue-sharing model that may improve long-term financial stability for ISL clubs.