Indian Club Football goes through a crisis, but we are not responsible for that: Chaubey

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey admitted on Sunday that the Indian club football «is going on a crisis» because of concern about the future of the top class of the country, the ISL, and said that a collective effort is needed to come over it.

After the Decree of 11 July of the Indian Super League organizers FSDL to place the 2025-26 «season» «Due to the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) that were signed with the AIFF in 2010, three clubs or first team activities or suspended salaries of first-team players and staff have signed.

«It is true that we are going through a crisis for which we are not responsible. Some self-recreated reformers with established interests have created this situation. I believe that the grace of God will be collectively able to step over this crisis,» said Chaubey PTI In an interview.

Chaubey also expressed at 11 ISL clubs that urgently encouraged the «current situation» to bring Indian football to the attention of the Supreme Court, about which a case with regard to the Constitution of the National Federation is awaiting.

The ISL clubs said in a letter that they will have no choice but to look for independent judicial story if the AIFF does not act on their request. Of the 13 ISL clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter.

«This issue was discussed in the meeting (on August 7 in Delhi) with all 13 club CEOs … That is why receiving this letter was a surprise for us within 24 hours. This way of communication could have been avoided,» he said.

«AIFF will do everything possible for the promotion and development of football, including guaranteeing matching time for players,» he said.

Read also | After 20 years, India qualifies for U-20 AFC Ladies Asian Cup

Asked if the AIFF can approach the Supreme Court to ask for clarity about this, said Chaubey: «We ask for legal advice about this possibility.» On August 7, the AIFF stated that a meeting with the clubs would be held to complete the date of the Super Cup, which could be planned for September to offer players competitive matches.

«We will follow legal advice in the coming days. Then we can meet the clubs again, but that will only be after August 17.» This is our third year (more specific 35 months) in function as the AIFF Executive Committee, and for the first time all club CEOs have met us together. We welcomed them and discussed five important agendas that require immediate attention.

«We will meet again to follow our discussion,» he said when he was asked for a mitigation plan to compensate for the income losses of the clubs.

Can the AIFF -Gastheer Isl alone?

With the ISL in Limbo, Chaubey was asked if the AIFF can organize the League itself. «All options are open. A collective agreement and the subsequent decision of all stakeholders would be better,» he replied.

The first meeting between the AIFF and the FSDL to discuss the renewal of the MRA that was signed in 2010 took place in February and Chaubey refused to comment when he was asked why there was a delay on that count.

Read also | Aiff -President Chaubey: We have to evaluate whether we had a structured youth development system 10 years ago

«I can’t comment on this. But if necessary, AIFF is available for every meeting with regard to the development of football.»

Asked if FSDL tries to make the AIFF, he said: «I don’t think so. This competition has made considerable changes in Indian football by huge investments in stadium infrastructure, field of play, player salaries, production and broadcast, foreign foreign expertise (including coaches and players), international partnerships and film improvement.

«I believe that if this investment continues, with a focus on systematic youth development, the ranking and performance of the Indian national team can improve in the next 10 years.»