AIFF's ISL proposal explained: What are two choices on format of league and why are clubs still worried

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) met representatives from five Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Wednesday to discuss the future roadmap for football in the country. The meeting, which included clubs like Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC, was held at the AIFF House in New Delhi.

The three-member committee of AIFF has reportedly presented two formats for the upcoming ISL with the clubs being given 48 hours to provide feedback on the proposal. However, the clubs want more clarity on some other important issues.

Below we take a look at the two proposed formats and why that has not quite impressed the clubs with regards to resuming the ISL.

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What are the two formats proposed by AIFF?

According to Khel Now, the first format suggested is to have 14 teams divided into two conferences - eastern and western. All seven teams within the conference go up against each other in double leg matches that will be scheduled at two centralised venues. Top four teams from each conference qualify for the championship round where single leg matches to decide the champions. The bottom three from both the conferences will play single leg games to decide on the relegated teams.

The second format is to have all teams play each other in single leg games with each side getting six/seven home/away matches on a random basis. It will be a league style competition with the team with most points after 13 matches winning the competition.

Reaction of clubs on AIFF’s ISL proposal

Interestingly, the proposal did not have any details on some of the most key issues like budget, broadcasting and revenue. This is what the clubs are more interested in knowing rather than the proposed formats.

“The format is secondary, what matters more is to tell us about the budget and broadcast details,” a club official was quoted as saying by The Times of India. “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 short-term proposal has kept clubs in the dark over the important details regarding the league. Another meeting between AIFF and the clubs will be taking place on December 26. As per the report in The Times of India, a long-term proposal is being brainstormed and is likely to be shared with the clubs on December 26 with a final meeting scheduled on December 29 to further discuss the route to move ahead.