Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will not amend its constitution to hand ownership and operations of the top-tier league to the participating clubs. Instead, it will come up with a proposal of its own.The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, except East Bengal, had proposed forming a consortium to run the league with AIFF getting a guaranteed income of Rs 10 crore from 2026-27 for grant of ISL rights perpetually. The second-tier I-League clubs suggested an 18-team Indian Premier Football League (IPFL) with Rs 50 crore to be paid to the AIFF over 15 years. The first five years would yield Rs 2.75 crore annually, with Rs 3.25 crore for the next five and Rs 4 crore for the last five years.Neither of the proposals found favour with the AIFF executive committee or the general body that met on Saturday.“Due to mixed reactions from the general body regarding the clubs’ request to manage the league in perpetuity, the federation appointed a three-member committee to seek a resolution,” the AIFF said in a statement after the conclusion of the annual general body meeting (AGM). Their objective is to reach an agreement that adheres to the AIFF constitution laid out by the Supreme Court. If necessary, AIFF will consult with FIFA and AFC to review how similar situations in other nations were handled as precedents.”According to the new AIFF constitution, the “seniormost top division league” should be owned, operated, and recognised by the AIFF,” and implement the principles of promotion and relegation.To come up with a proposal that is acceptable to all stakeholders, the AIFF formed a three-member committee comprising Kerala Football Association president Navas Meeran, Goa Football Association president Caitano Fernandes, and Indian Football Association secretary Anirban Datta, along with AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan as the ex-officio member. The panel will hold discussions with representatives from five clubs, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City, Delhi SC, NorthEast United, and Mohun Bagan from Dec 22 to 29.“The constitution clearly states that the top league should be owned and operated by the AIFF, and that is the unanimous opinion of the general body. When vice president NA Haris made this clear during the AGM, everyone applauded,” said a member who attended the meeting.The panel is expected to have its first meeting on Monday and will work towards ensuring that the top league kicks off around Feb 7-8 next.According to one official, the AIFF could even dip into its fixed deposit of Rs 50 crore, if necessary, to ensure that the top league is held with whichever teams show interest in accepting its proposal.“The clubs want top league rights for perpetuity and there are conditions which are not in accordance with our constitution. We will come up with a proposal within seven days,” said another official.
