AIFF General Body Clears Committees to Fast-Track ISL and I-League Reforms
AIFF forms separate panels to resolve ISL and I-League issues in line with Supreme Court mandated Constitution
New Delhi, Dec 21: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday approved the formation of multiple committees to fast-track resolutions related to the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League, while ensuring full compliance with the AIFF Constitution, during its Executive Committee (ExCo) and Annual General Body (AGM) meetings held at Football House.
Both meetings were chaired by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey.
A proposal concerning the long-term management of the ISL, submitted by 10 clubs, was presented at the AGM by Vinay Chopra, CEO of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. However, with mixed reactions from members over the request for perpetual control of the league by the clubs, the General Body decided to appoint a three-member committee to explore a consensus-based solution.
The committee comprises Kerala Football Association President Navas Meeran, Goa Football Association President Caitano Fernandes, and Indian Football Association (West Bengal) Secretary Anirban Datta, with AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan serving as an ex-officio member. The panel will hold consultations with five clubs Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Delhi SC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant between December 22 and 29.
The committee has been tasked with arriving at a resolution strictly in accordance with the AIFF Constitution, as laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
The General Body also considered concerns raised by I-League clubs and constituted another three-member committee to address their proposals. This panel includes Andhra Pradesh Football Association President Kotagiri Sridhar, Mizoram Football Association Honorary Secretary Lalrengpuia, and Punjab Football Association Honorary Secretary Harjinder Singh, working alongside the AIFF Deputy Secretary General.
The AIFF noted that, if required, it would consult FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to examine how similar situations have been addressed in other countries. FIFA and AFC observers present at the meeting—Prince Rufus and Niren Mukherjee—advised that the AIFF Constitution remains the supreme governing framework for all such decisions.
During the meeting, official objection letters submitted by Executive Committee members Avijit Paul and Valanka Alemao, as well as a representation from East Bengal FC Director Debabrata Sarkar on behalf of Emami East Bengal FC, were formally placed on record.
Additionally, in accordance with constitutional provisions, the General Body approved the appointment of retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, a former Chief Election Commissioner, and senior IPS and DGP officials as Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the Federation’s Independent Judiciary Committees.
