ALL ISL CLUBS except East Bengal FC have proposed a club-led model for future editions of the competition, under which clubs would retain 90% of the league’s economic interest, with the remaining 10% going to the AIFF. The federation would provide oversight, regulatory support, and referees, while a separate entity would be formed to run the tournament.
The proposals were sent to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Joint Secretary Kunal K, a report in The Times of India said. The clubs are scheduled to meet AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey on May 22, ahead of a special general meeting the following day. The proposal could also reduce the role of Genius Sports, one of two bidders for the league’s commercial rights.
Under the proposed structure, the AIFF would retain veto rights over integrity, disciplinary, and sporting governance matters, while clubs would hold veto rights over commercial and operational decisions.
The clubs contend that, having run the league during the ongoing truncated season, they can operate it more cost-effectively than a foreign entity, citing potential savings across operations, production, logistics, and administration. They have also proposed covering the Rs 12.4 crore annual fee that Genius Sports would have charged, limiting the company’s role to sports data, technology, integrity solutions, and fan engagement products.
