The All India Football Federation has presented two potential short-term formats for the 2025-26 Indian Super League season to club representatives. Following a meeting on Wednesday in New Delhi with a three-member committee, the 14 clubs have been given 48 hours to provide feedback.
The first proposal involves dividing the league into East and West conferences of seven teams each. In this model, teams would play double-leg matches within their conference at two centralised venues. The top four from each group would advance to single-leg championship playoffs, while the bottom three would compete to avoid relegation.
The second proposal suggests a simplified single-leg league format where all 14 teams play each other once. Fixtures would be randomised, resulting in each club playing either six or seven home or away matches. Under this model, there would be no playoff stage; the team finishing at the top of the table after 13 matches would be declared the champion.
Club officials have reacted with caution, noting that the proposals lack critical financial and operational details. “The format is secondary, what matters more is to tell us about the budget and broadcast details,” one official stated.
Representatives questioned the feasibility of participating without knowing the costs involved. “Do we have to pay a fee to take part, and if yes, how much? Who spends on the production (for broadcast)? Unless we have clarity on commercial operations, there’s little we can say,” the official added.
Logistics also remain a point of contention, particularly regarding the use of centralised venues. While AIFF views centralisation as a cost-saving measure, some clubs argue it adds unnecessary accommodation expenses. One official suggested that a conference model should still use home-and-away fixtures because travel distances would already be reduced.
“In a centralised venue, why pay a high cost for accommodation when you play once in four days?” the official asked. Clubs are currently prioritising "staying alive" over growth as they wait for clarity on a commercial partner and broadcaster.
The AIFF is expected to address these queries on December 26, where a long-term proposal will also be introduced. This long-term plan reportedly suggests a hybrid model where the league is owned and operated by the federation to meet new constitutional requirements.
Under this plan, clubs would sign participation agreements directly with the AIFF. “The plan is for the clubs... to have the freedom to decide on the commercial partner, commercial regulations, secure sponsorships, and broadcaster,” a source said. A final meeting with all stakeholders is scheduled for December 29 in the Capital.