Indian football’s domestic freeze has escalated into a full-blown governance crisis, pushing both ISL and I-League clubs to seek intervention from sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya after talks with AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey failed to create any movement.
The halt in national competitions — from the ISL to the I-League — has placed players, clubs, and support staff in limbo, sharpening calls for a decisive resolution.
Clubs Turn to the Sports Ministry
A hybrid meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and CEOs of ISL clubs ended without agreement, prompting teams to elevate the issue to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. I-League clubs were invited but opted out, citing the short notice.
Both ISL and I-League representatives are now scheduled to meet minister Mandaviya in Delhi, with hopes of breaking a deadlock that has stalled the domestic calendar. A ministry official confirmed the engagement but added that Chaubey’s presence remains uncertain.
The Call for a Unified League Partner
At the heart of the dispute is the search for a new commercial partner to run India’s top-tier competitions. With Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) exiting the ecosystem, the AIFF invited bids for a replacement — but none arrived.
The silence has left the ISL season on hold and cast doubt on timelines for the I-League and I-League 2.
In a joint letter to AIFF general secretary M Satyanarayan, I-League club owners pressed for a “common league partner” to oversee all divisions. They argued that a unified commercial structure would create stability, consistency, and long-term growth across Indian football.
The eight signatory clubs also requested an “immediate announcement” of the I-League season through interim measures, proposing a start between December 15, 2025 and January 5, 2026, with broadcast coverage ideally secured through major networks such as Star Sports, JioCinema/Hotstar, Sony Sports, and Sony LIV.
Growing Player Anxiety
The crisis has pushed India’s top footballers into public advocacy. Sandesh Jhingan, Sunil Chhetri, and others issued a joint statement urging the AIFF to restore clarity for the hundreds of professionals dependent on the league season.
They described the current mood as shifting “from frustration to desperation,” and called on administrators to uphold the promise of improved governance under the current federation leadership.
Supreme Court Oversight Adds Weight
The AIFF’s search for a commercial partner is being monitored by the Supreme Court, which approved a new constitution for the federation in October. The previous agreement with FSDL was set to expire in December, and the failure to renew or replace it has left the 2025–26 ISL in limbo.
The ripple effects are real. Defending champions Mohun Bagan and several other clubs have paused training, waiting for clarity on when — or whether — the season will resume.
What Comes Next
Thursday’s meeting with the sports minister may be the most decisive step yet in resolving the impasse. Clubs want a roadmap, players want jobs secured, and fans want football to return.
For now, Indian football sits at a standstill, waiting for administrators to reconnect the sport’s broken circuits and revive a domestic season that should already be underway.
