A significant shift in the landscape of Indian football could be on the horizon, with a proposal suggesting the absence of promotion and relegation in the Indian Super League (ISL) for a decade. This proposition, put forth by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the commercial partners of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), has sparked considerable debate and discussion within the football fraternity.
FSDL's proposal is part of a broader restructuring plan for the ISL, which includes a new ownership model. Under this model, a holding company would be formed to govern, operate, commercialize, and fund the ISL. The shareholders would comprise the ISL clubs (60%), FSDL (26%), and AIFF (14%). A key condition of this proposal is the exclusion of relegation from the ISL for at least ten years. While promotion to the ISL would still be possible, it would be contingent upon clubs meeting strict financial and licensing criteria and having been under the same ownership for a minimum of five years.
The rationale behind this proposal is to provide stability and encourage investment in the league. Without the threat of relegation, clubs may be more willing to invest in infrastructure, player development, and overall growth. This could lead to a more competitive and sustainable league in the long run. Since its inception in 2014, the ISL has operated as a closed league without relegation. However, in 2019, a roadmap was agreed upon to introduce promotion from the I-League, with Punjab FC and Mohammedan Sporting Club subsequently qualifying for the ISL based on sporting merit.
The proposal has met with mixed reactions. Some argue that removing relegation would diminish the competitive spirit of the league and create a lack of incentive for teams to perform at their best. Others believe that it is a necessary step to ensure the financial stability and long-term growth of the ISL. Concerns have also been raised about the proposal's compatibility with the roadmap approved by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2019, which advocated for the full implementation of promotion and relegation.
The AIFF is currently evaluating the proposal, and discussions are ongoing. The matter is further complicated by ongoing Supreme Court discussions regarding the new AIFF constitution, which includes the ownership structure of India's top league. FSDL has indicated that they will discontinue the current Master Rights Agreement (MRA) structure, which grants them commercial rights for all competitions in exchange for a fixed minimum guarantee. The new proposal suggests a joint venture that would grant rights only for the ISL and national team competitions, while the AIFF would retain 100% of the revenue from non-ISL and non-national team competitions.
A similar debate is also taking place in the Women's Super League (WSL) in England, where a "radical proposal" to remove relegation is being considered. The aim is to foster a more competitive environment without the pressure of relegation, encouraging owners to invest more in their clubs and the league. This restructuring would not be implemented until the 2026-27 season at the earliest, and a formal vote is yet to take place.
