I-League clubs level serious allegations against AIFF over broadcast crisis

The top flight of Indian football is under strict scrutiny from I-League clubs.

At the press conference held on Saturday, I-League Clubs Association (ILCA) accused All India Football Federation (AIFF) From gross mismanagement and questionable decisions that jeopardize the future of the I-League.

ILCA highlighted the AIFF’s lack of transparency, unfulfilled commitments and the precarious position it left clubs, players and stakeholders in.

A meeting of representatives of all 12 I-League clubs highlighted how the AIFF has failed to respond to repeated communication attempts by all clubs and their executives for clarity on the league’s future plans.

Moreover, ILCA criticized the federation for not allowing U-19 players to feature in I-League squads, citing the issue of bloated squads; This is a move that seriously hinders player development.

The restriction by I-League clubs to keep young players on their books conflicts with the aim of nurturing grassroots football talent in India.

I-League clubs offer different options to AIFF

Amidst all the major problems, publishing problems top the list of ILCA’s complaints. Claiming that it sent four separate requests to AIFF to discuss broadcasting issues, the association states that all attempts were ignored.

Sony, one of India’s leading broadcasters, has been keen on covering the I-League and reportedly even sent numerous emails to the AIFF requesting fixture lists to plan promotional campaigns. However, these correspondences remained unanswered.

AIFF’s decision to award broadcasting rights to Kolkata-based company SSEN through a closed tender process further adds to the controversy.

It is an untested platform with little to no experience in broadcasting football matches. Moreover, ILCA members claim that this agreement was signed by AIFF without informing them, raising questions about the legality of the tender.

READ ALSO: I-League clubs’ association expresses concern over broadcast uncertainty ahead of new season

No broadcast deal leaves the league’s future in limbo

Another damning claim is that AIFF’s moves are denying future I-League stars a chance to play in the I-League. Indian Super League (ISL) They even represent the national team because their talents are not recognized.

The AIFF’s moves have left around 1,000 registered players in limbo, unsure if they will play any games this season. Time is not something athletes have in abundance, and their careers have been severely impacted by the pause in proceedings.

AIFF could land I-League owner Ranjit Bajaj in big trouble. Delhi FCHe also questioned whether there was any financial mismanagement by the AIFF towards the league.

During the meeting, he pointed out how AIFF’s funds had mysteriously dropped from ₹22 crore in 2017 to near depletion in 2024.

Despite this, it was alleged that the Executive Committee bypassed standard protocols and did not finalize the tender. The move leaves the I-League without a reliable broadcast plan and represents an indefinite pause in plans for the league season, which starts in less than a week.

With the I-League season approaching, the ILCA requested peaceful cooperation from the AIFF to rectify the situation. They argue that these decisions not only threaten the existence of the I-League but also undermine the credibility of Indian football.

Following these statements, the AIFF faced great pressure to address these allegations and ensure the sustainability of the league. If the controversy is not resolved, it could signal a significant setback for the growth and development of Indian football.

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