Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday to amend the "commercially restrictive" clauses of its constitution during the annual general meeting (AGM) on December 20, in another reminder that the domestic game may collapse if immediate steps are not taken.
All the ISL teams, except for East Bengal, said the AIFF should transfer the long-term rights of the top-tier league to the clubs if the national federation is unable to bring the necessary amendments or provide a commercially viable framework.
"...the AIFF should either expressly support removal of commercially restrictive clauses in the Constitution, or itself undertake these amendments at the forthcoming AGM. Thereafter, the federation, with the support of the government and the clubs, should proceed to transparently identify an appropriate commercial partner," the clubs wrote in a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey.
Thursday's letter from the ISL clubs came after a missive a few days ago in which they had asked the AIFF to consider a framework, under which the ISL clubs may collectively form a consortium to own/operate the league as majority owners, alongside the national federation and aligned investors in case a suitable commercial partner is not found. A recent tender floated by the AIFF for the commercial rights of the ISL could not find any bidder.
"Clubs must have commercial flexibility, including the ability to attract sponsors, investors and long-term partners. This is not possible until the commercially restrictive clauses in the AIFF Constitution are amended or removed. Without this change, no sustainable league structure can be built, regardless of good intentions," the letter said.
In the earlier letter of December 5, the clubs had even said that under the new AIFF Constitution, the national federation "possesses the authority to amend its own statutes, including those impeding commercial operation of the league without requiring judicial directions". The latest letter written by Mohun Bagan Super Giant director Vinay Chopra on behalf of all the clubs said they are "fully prepared -- consistent with global best practices -- to either solely or jointly operate, commercialise and develop the league, including through securing sponsors, broadcasters, commercial partners and strategic investors".
"The time for procedural exchanges, meetings without purpose and administrative delay has expired... such a meeting must have clear, time-bound decisions, not reiterating constraints that have been known for months. The stakes are existential... Indian football faces the genuine risk of losing its only professional league, investors, sponsors and the confidence of fans. Time is rapidly running out," said Chopra.
‘Bypassing executive committee against AIFF rules’
While the AIFF had suggested on Wednesday that the proposal made by the ISL clubs to form a consortium to own or operate the top-tier league may be discussed during its AGM on December 20, AIFF Executive Committee member Avijit Paul was not happy with the suggestion to discuss this at the AGM without prior discussion with the panel.
"Bypassing the executive committee, the highest decision-making body in the AIFF, is against the rules and regulations and the constitution of the AIFF. The issue is highly sensitive in nature and is related to the long-time financial health of the AIFF. It is hugely disappointing that you have decided to jump the gun," Paul said in a letter addressed to AIFF deputy secretary general K Satyanarayan.
Also read: 12 ISL clubs ask AIFF to resolve crisis
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