AIFF and ISL Clubs Sign Four-Year Deal to Run the League

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League clubs have signed a 4-year agreement to jointly run the league, ending months of uncertainty over its future. The deal was formalised on July 8, and sets September 4 as the start date for the 2026-27 season.

Under the new structure, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set up as a private limited company to handle ISL operations. The clubs will run the commercial side of the league, while the AIFF continues to look after regulatory duties like referees, anti-doping and integrity. Clubs get a unilateral option to exit the model after 2 years, though AIFF officials say that is unlikely given how talks have progressed.

All 14 clubs, including IFL champions Diamond Harbour FC who earn direct promotion, are expected to take part. Each club will pay an annual fee of Rs 1.1 crore, split into 2 instalments, generating close to Rs 15.4 crore a year for the AIFF. Profits from the league will be split 90-10 in favour of the clubs, overseen by an independent auditor.

On player rules, there is no mandatory Indian striker policy, and no change to the existing rule of 6 foreign players per squad. The AIFF has encouraged clubs to sign Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players if they choose to, but this remains optional rather than mandatory. AIFF general secretary Satyanarayan said strengthening the ISL is central to building a stronger Indian national team over the next 5 to 7 years, though he was clear that World Cup qualification is not an immediate target.