Deeply concerned AFC seeks factual report on ISL

PANAJI: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said the indefinite suspension of the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) is “deeply concerning, given its disruption to clubs' operations, delayed salaries, and the wider threat it poses to the stability of domestic and continental football.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a letter to AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan, AFC general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John sought a factual report on the ISL, clarifying the status of commercial negotiations with its marketing partners, the timeline of Supreme Court ruling, impact on affected clubs and stakeholders, and concrete measures being taken to resume the league and safeguard stability. “Such information is critical for the AFC to properly assess the current situation and determine the next steps,” said Datuk Seri Windsor John.In reply, AIFF has sought time till the SC hearing on Thursday.At the heart of this uncertainty over ISL is the impasse between the AIFF and its marketing partners, FSDL, over the renewal of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) that ends on Dec 8. FSDL has kept the season on hold “until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure.”The uncertainty has forced three clubs – Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC – to keep player salaries on hold, while six clubs have not yet started pre-season.AFC said the growing uncertainty over the ISL raises immediate concerns regarding the participation of Indian clubs in the next season of the AFC Champions League Two, Asian football’s second-tier club competition.“We seek confirmation on whether qualification will be based on the 2025-26 ISL season as per precedent, or through alternative arrangements if the league does not proceed on schedule. We also would like to know in detail what steps the AIFF is taking to ensure Indian clubs remain eligible for continental competition despite current uncertainty.“The impasse represents a domestic crisis with significant implications at the continental level. We trust the AIFF will address it urgently, in line with FIFA and AFC standards of governance and scheduling, while ensuring the welfare and stability of the clubs, players and officials, and safeguarding the representation of Indian clubs in the AFC competitions,” said Datuk Seri Windsor John.