Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have intensified pressure on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to urgently resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the league's commercial framework, setting a firm deadline of December 8. The clubs warn that any further delays beyond this date could have severe financial repercussions and destabilize the top-tier football structure in India.

The crux of the issue lies in the impending expiration of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on December 8. This agreement, initially signed in 2010, governs the commercial rights for the ISL, and its lapse has created significant uncertainty regarding the league's financial future.

The ISL clubs are facing a double whammy of challenges. Firstly, the absence of a commercial rights holder following the MRA's expiration has led to a complete cessation of central revenue, which has historically been a primary income source for managing salaries, infrastructure, and sporting operations. Secondly, this uncertainty has prompted local sponsors to withdraw or pause their commercial commitments, further exacerbating the clubs' financial woes.

In a joint letter addressed to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the twelve clubs – FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennauyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC, Odisha FC, and Mohammedan Sporting, along with newly promoted Inter Kashi – articulated the gravity of the situation. They emphasized that while most clubs have continued to honor their financial obligations to players and staff, the current state of affairs is approaching "commercial impossibility" and risks rendering ongoing operations unsustainable.

The clubs have proposed a collaborative approach with the government to address these pressing issues. Specifically, they recommend that the AIFF submit proposed actions to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya before December 8, aiming to inform the Supreme Court about potential remedial measures.

The AIFF has acknowledged the clubs' concerns and has pledged to take action. The federation confirmed that it would forward the clubs' concerns to the Ministry of Sports and engage KPMG to develop potential solutions, including the possibility of a re-tender process for the commercial rights. The AIFF has also stated its commitment to ensuring a long-term, sustainable model for the ISL's growth and development.

This is not the first time the AIFF has faced pressure regarding the ISL's commercial arrangements. Back in October, ten ISL clubs criticized the AIFF for delays in selecting a new commercial partner, deeming it a "breach of trust" after the AIFF missed an October 15 deadline to complete the tender process. This earlier dispute also involved concerns about transparency and accountability.

The current situation is further complicated by the history between AIFF and FSDL. Earlier in the year, the Supreme Court had to intervene to facilitate discussions between the two entities regarding the MRA, which led to FSDL agreeing to waive its right of first negotiation and issue a No-Objection Certificate to AIFF for conducting an open tender.

With the December 8 deadline looming, the stakes are high for Indian football. The ISL clubs are united in their call for swift action to restore commercial certainty and safeguard the league's future, emphasizing that any further delays could jeopardize the progress made in professionalizing Indian football over the past decade. The AIFF's response in the coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the ISL and the broader football ecosystem in the country.