ISL Clubs Propose Major Club-Led Model With AIFF Retaining Oversight Rights: Report

Indian Super League clubs have reportedly proposed a new club-led operating structure for the league in collaboration with the All India Football Federation and Genius Sports, according to a report by the Times of India.

The proposal was discussed ahead of the AIFF Executive Committee meeting on May 22, with club representatives pushing for a long-term commercial and operational restructuring of the ISL.

As per the report, the ISL clubs have suggested a model where the league would be managed by a separate entity jointly operated by the clubs and AIFF, instead of relying heavily on an external commercial partner for day-to-day operations.

What is the proposed ISL club-led model?

Under the proposed structure, the clubs would collectively hold 90 percent of the economic interest in the league, while AIFF would retain a 10 percent stake along with regulatory and supervisory control.

The federation would reportedly continue handling:

• integrity and disciplinary oversight
• sporting governance
• referees and regulatory matters

Meanwhile, the clubs would take control of:

• commercial operations
• league management
• production and logistics
• sponsorship and revenue activities
• operational execution

According to the report, the clubs believe their local operational experience gives them an advantage in running the competition more efficiently than an overseas commercial operator.

Why are ISL clubs pushing for this change?

The report states that clubs feel significant financial optimisation is possible through a centrally managed club-led structure.

Club representatives reportedly argued that:

• operating costs could reduce considerably
• local execution would improve efficiency
• long-term sustainability could strengthen
• commercial decisions could become faster and more market-focused

The clubs also believe a domestically managed framework would better understand Indian football's commercial realities compared to a foreign-led model with limited operational roots in India.

What role would Genius Sports play?

Genius Sports remains central to the discussions because it is reportedly one of the bidders interested in ISL commercial rights for the next cycle.

The report states that Genius Sports had bid ₹6.49 crore per year for a 15.5-year cycle, compared to an earlier ₹6.212 crore yearly proposal submitted by the ISL's existing commercial rights holders.

However, financial negotiations reportedly remain unresolved.

Under the proposed club-led framework, Genius Sports would have a significantly reduced role focused mainly on:

• sports data
• integrity solutions
• fan engagement technology
• commercial products

The clubs have also reportedly proposed capping payments to Genius Sports at less than ₹7 million annually under the revised structure.

AIFF still holds the key decision

Despite the proposal, the final decision now rests with AIFF.

The clubs have reportedly assured the federation that AIFF would continue receiving the same fee structure currently being discussed under the Genius Sports model, ensuring the federation does not suffer financial losses through the restructuring.

The proposal comes at a critical time for Indian football as the ISL continues navigating uncertainty around long-term commercial rights, governance structure and financial sustainability.