Rising operational estimates raise doubts over AIFF budget viability for delayed ISL season
Bengaluru
Concerns over the financial feasibility of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season have intensified after preliminary cost estimates for hosting part of the tournament appeared to overshoot the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) proposed operational budget.
ISL clubs are still attempting to find common ground with the AIFF on launching the much-delayed season, with uncertainty persisting due to the absence of a commercial partner. While a centralised format — staging the league at two venues, Goa and Kolkata, split into east and west conferences — has emerged as a preferred option, cost projections have raised fresh alarms.
During an unofficial interaction on Tuesday, clubs were informed that hosting the Goa leg alone could cost around Rs 42 crore, inclusive of production and broadcast expenses. The figure surprised several stakeholders as it accounts for only one half of the proposed league structure. If similar costs apply to the Kolkata leg, the combined expenditure could nearly exhaust — or even exceed — AIFF’s stated budget of Rs 70 crore under its proposed 20-year roadmap.
Clubs were also told they may need to contribute approximately Rs 2.5 crore each for the season, more than double the Rs 1 crore participation fee discussed earlier. While clubs had broadly accepted a revised revenue-sharing model — a 10-50-40 split between AIFF, clubs and commercial partners — their consent has remained conditional on the federation securing a credible commercial partner.
“If the Goa leg alone costs Rs 42 crore for a curtailed season, the operational expenses will go well beyond the suggested Rs 70 crore budget for a full season,” a club official said. “It raises serious questions about whether the current projections are realistic.”
Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC clarified that they would participate in the season regardless of the outcome of talks, while Odisha FC indicated it would be difficult to compete without a commercial partner. Reports also suggested that Odisha FC CEO Raj Athwal resigned on Tuesday amid ongoing sponsorship struggles.
Clubs stressed that the discussions were unofficial and exploratory. Any formal meeting, they noted, can only take place once the AIFF receives clarity from the Asian Football Confederation on pending issues, including possible relaxations to domestic match requirements for continental qualification in a shortened season.
