AIFF Faces Financial Crisis: ISL Future Uncertain as Clubs Demand Funding

• ISL clubs agree to play but demand AIFF cover all financial costs and waive participation fees.
• AIFF faces a Rs 25.9 crore deficit after its 15-year contract with former operator FSDL ended on December 8, 2025.
• The national body, unable to find a new commercial partner, may be forced to cut a quarter of its operations.
• AIFF's current funds include Rs 19.9 crore in bank, Rs 21.6 crore in fixed deposits/bonds (requiring approval), and Rs 9 crore from FIFA for special projects.
• Top Indian footballers, including Sunil Chhetri, appealed to FIFA to intervene and "save Indian football" amidst the crisis.

Why It Matters: AIFF's financial woes threaten ISL's future, prompting player appeals for FIFA intervention.