ISL clubs reconsider their participation in the league due to a lack of clarity

A few of the ISL clubs issued a joint statement on Friday, confirming that they could reconsider their participation in the league due to a lack of clarity about its future.

Just a day after the conclusion of one of the most exciting Indian Super League seasons, in which East Bengal FC lifted the title, these clubs have decided to stop their first team's operations.

" With deep concern and disappointment, the clubs of the Indian Super League wish to state that, given the continued uncertainty surrounding professional football in India, we are now compelled to review the extent of our commitment to the league beyond the current season, " confirmed 9 of the 14 ISL clubs via a social post.

After the end of its long-term deal with FSDL, the AIFF has failed to find a new sponsor for the Indian Super League, putting the future of the league in jeopardy.

This uncertainty over the league’s future has left clubs doubting their sustainability amid existing financial, managerial and operational commitments.

Hence, the clubs have asked AIFF to acknowledge the realities faced by those funding and operating the league, work collaboratively towards a framework that is sustainable, inclusive and built with all stakeholders in mind.

"Our clubs have consistently invested in Indian football, often in difficult and uncertain circumstances, and remain deeply committed to its future. However, the continued absence of structural certainty, commercial clarity and long-term visibility has made it increasingly difficult to justify the financial and operational commitments required to compete sustainably." The statement further read.

AIFF is expected to close a deal with Genius Sports for its long-term commercial rights cycle, but the clubs aren't very satisfied with its revenue model and have suggested their own model for the league.

"At the heart of Indian football's future must be a financially sustainable league. The clubs have proposed an alternative model which we believe is credible, constructive and worthy of being evaluated on merit, alongside any other proposal before the AIFF."