Indian football is facing a challenging period. After the men’s national team failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, concerns have grown over the lack of clarity in domestic competitions. The uncertainty affects not just the Indian Super League (ISL) but also the I-League and Indian Women’s League (IWL), which are still waiting for confirmed schedules.
Adding to the turmoil, Real Kashmir FC has withdrawn from the upcoming Super Cup due to organisational and financial challenges.
ISL Clubs Demand Transparency and Accountability
On October 16, 2025, ten ISL clubs jointly wrote a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). They expressed concern over the delay in the tender process for selecting a new commercial partner. The clubs highlighted that the AIFF had promised an open and transparent tender by October 15.
The letter, addressed to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and the Executive Committee, stated, “Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it was clearly stated that an open and transparent tender process would be completed by 15th October 2025 to appoint a new commercial partner for the league.”
The letter comes just days before the Super Cup, scheduled from October 25 to November 22. While the tournament is a positive step, the broader uncertainty about league operations continues.
ALSO READ Breaking! ISL 2025 Season Likely To Begin in October- November After Fresh Talks
The clubs added, “While the Super Cup has since been organised and clubs have agreed to participate in good faith, activating teams at this stage has already involved significant logistical and contractual implications — from assembling squads, securing venues, and confirming operational commitments to re-engaging staff and vendors. These decisions have been made trusting that the AIFF would act in accordance with its submission to the Supreme Court and bring clarity to the league’s immediate future.”
They also pointed out, “As of today, there has been no tender document released, no communication on the next steps, and no transparency on where the process currently stands.”
The clubs stressed that their trust in the AIFF is being tested. “The lack of communication from the AIFF has been deeply disappointing, and the silence surrounding this matter has caused further erosion of confidence among clubs and other stakeholders.”
In conclusion, the ISL clubs requested urgent clarity on the tender’s status and the timeline for its completion. They warned that ongoing uncertainty is affecting sponsorships, player signings, and long-term planning. “It is deeply disappointing that such a letter has had to be written once again,” the statement added.
ALSO READ Indian Club Football in Crisis as ISL Future Remains Unclear
The clubs remain committed to supporting Indian football but insist that transparency and accountability cannot be ignored.
