The dilemma over the Indian Super League is not going to end soon. On Saturday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) rejected the proposal of clubs for "perpetual" operational and commercial ownership of the country's top-tier competition. AIFF clarified on their official website that the decision has been taken due to mixed reactions from the assembly.
The proposal failed when it was presented for discussion at the AIFF's Annual General Meeting (AGM) here. On Friday, Avijit Paul, a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, described the plan as "unacceptable.”
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The AGM meeting was unable to find any other solution on Saturday; therefore, a three-member panel has been formed to discuss matters with the clubs from December 22nd to 29th.
AIFF constituted a three-member panel to resolve the issue
AIFF has formed a three-member committee to discuss and talk with the clubs to come in a agreement that complies with the AIFF constitution. AIFF wrote on their website that, “ This committee, consisting of Kerala Football Association President Mr. Navas Meeran, Goa Football Association President Mr. Caitano Fernandes, and Indian Football Association (West Bengal) Honourary Secretary Mr. Anirban Datta, along with AIFF Deputy Secretary General Mr. M. Satyanarayan as the ex-officio member, will hold discussions with representatives from five clubs, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi SC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan SG from December 22 to 29.
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Adding to that, the statement also says, “Their objective is to reach an agreement that adheres to the AIFF Constitution laid out by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.”
It has been reported that the clubs asked AIFF to ask the Supreme Court to amend the commercial restrictions, but AIFF asked the clubs to come up with a decision that adheres to the Supreme Court of India’s decision.
Indian domestic football has been thrown into uncertainty after FSDL informed the AIFF in July that the top-tier league would be put on hold due to ambiguity over renewing the 15-year Master Rights Agreement, which expired on December 8. The situation worsened after the tender for the ISL’s commercial rights failed to attract any bidders.
In response, Justice Rao advised the Supreme Court to balance safeguarding AIFF’s authority with protecting the commercial interests of potential bidders.
AIFF also addressed that if necessary, they will be ready to seek help from FIFA. “If necessary, the AIFF will consult with FIFA and the AFC to review how similar situations in other nations were handled as precedents.” They added.
