ISL clubs ask for 3 to 5 years stay on relegation, and seek financial help from Sports Ministry

The Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have written to the Sports Ministry requesting relaxation of conditions for the upcoming 2025-26 season, including a ‘relegation stay’ for three to five years pdf.

In a letter written by all 14 ISL clubs to the joint sports secretary, the clubs have argued that «due to compressed timelines, operational constraints and structural uncertainty, not all teams will compete under identical playing, financial or logistical conditions.»

As a result, they have applied for the following concessions: pdf.

• Defined stabilization period of three to five years

• Temporary stay due to relegation during this period

• Rationalization of non-essential licensing requirements for the shortened current season

• Targeted operational support

The letter comes just weeks before the scheduled start of the season, which was announced on January 6 by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as February 14.

READ ALSO | ISL schedule: preliminary list of matches; Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters the opening match

The clubs, in the seven-page letter, have sought waiver of uplink fees and broadcast charges while seeking the ministry’s help to allow participation of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to help the clubs financially.

In addition, the clubs have requested the ministry’s support for the following matters: pdf.

• Facilitating access to stadiums and training facilities for ISL matches on concessional, subsidized or waived terms for the next three years.

• Expand support, in coordination with state governments and local authorities, for the provision of essential matchday services, such as police, fire and community support, on concessional or waived terms.

• Ensure the timely availability of venues and supporting infrastructure required for the smooth conduct of competitions.

Virtual force majeure

More importantly, the clubs have sought concessions in two key areas: relegation and licensing criteria, both of which play an important role in Indian football’s affiliation with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Changes to either may result in a breach of the AFC Articles of Association (Article 62. (b)(x)) and the AFC Club License Rules (Article 14.4).

Promotion in the ISL has been ongoing since the 2022-2023 season, with Punjab FC winning the I-League and earning a spot in the ISL in 2023.

Since then, Mohammedan Sporting and Inter Kashi have joined the league through the same route. However, relegation has not yet been introduced in the top division, something the All India Football Federation plans to do this season, in line with its AFC roadmap.

READ ALSO | Sreenidi Deccan draws Churchill Brothers’ Gassama; Former I-league winner Ambekar joins Rajasthan United

“The current season is better characterized as a season of ‘virtual force majeure’, necessitated by factors beyond the reasonable control of the clubs, rather than as a season conducted under standard commercial and sporting assumptions,” the clubs wrote.

“Linking irreversible sporting and financial consequences, such as relegation, to results arising from such unequal circumstances, would risk undermining both sporting integrity and investor confidence.”

The 2025-2026 ISL season has been postponed by at least four months due to the lack of a commercial partner after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) terminated its Master Rights Agreement with AIFF.

As a result, several ISL clubs have borne the brunt of the uncertainty, suspending first-team activities, parting ways with key players and coaches and even downsizing their staffs.

Now that the provisional start date is only two weeks away, an answer from the ministry is awaited.

Published on January 31, 2026