With the future of the top Indian football league — the Indian Super League (ISL) — in jeopardy, ten ISL clubs have come together seeking clarification regarding the delay in the tender process, raising concerns about logistical and operational uncertainties for the upcoming season from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the governing body of football in India
ISL clubs have sent a joint letter directed to AIFF, accusing it of a “breach of trust” over the delay in finalising the tender for a new commercial partner.
The 10 clubs are Chennaiyin FC, Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Northeast United FC, Odisha FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Mumbai City FC.
In a letter addressed to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and the federation’s executive committee, the clubs expressed they were “deeply disappointed” with the lack of progress and communication.
READ THE FULL JOINT LETTER FROM ISL CLUBS TO AIFF
Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, and the subsequent joint submission made by the AIFF and FSDL, it was clearly stated that an open and transparent tender process would be initiated and **completed by 15th October 2025** to appoint a new commercial partner for the league.
While the Super Cup has since been organised and clubs have agreed to participate in good faith, activating teams at this stage has already involved significant logistical and contractual implications — from assembling squads, securing venues, and confirming operational commitments to re-engaging staff and vendors. These decisions have been made trusting that the AIFF would act in accordance with its submission to the Supreme Court and bring clarity to the league’s immediate future.
However, as of today, there has been no tender document released, no communication on the next steps, and no transparency on where the process currently stands. It is very evident that we are yet to even begin the process, let alone complete it. The lack of communication from the AIFF has been deeply disappointing, and the silence surrounding this matter has caused further erosion of confidence among clubs and other stakeholders.
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We wish to reiterate that clubs have continued to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate and support Indian football’s larger ecosystem, but this goodwill cannot continue to be taken for granted.
The uncertainty has made financial planning, sponsorship discussions, and player commitments nearly impossible to sustain. Moreover, the current situation represents a breach of trust — one that risks undoing the collective progress made in professionalising Indian football over the past decade.
We therefore request that the AIFF urgently clarify:
• The status of the tender process and when it will be released.
• The proposed timeline for completing the selection process.
It is deeply disappointing that such a letter has had to be written once again. The continued lack of clarity leaves all stakeholders with no choice but to seek accountability and transparency in the governance of the sport.
Respectfully,
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On behalf of the 10 Indian Super League Clubs (cc’d on email).
