One day after a fantastic end to the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, uncertainty looms ahead for players and staff whose contracts end this season.
Clubs are not discussing renewals or new deals due to unclear short and long-term revenue projections.
A club CEO requested anonymity, stating that owners want to know if there is 'light at the end of the tunnel', however long that tunnel is.
The season saw pay cuts, deferred salaries, players being released, delayed appointments of coaching staff, and more action in the Supreme Court than on the pitch.
AIFF got Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to say 'let's football' in January, allowing all 14 clubs to participate.
East Bengal came of age, and Punjab FC showed developing young players and being title contenders are not mutually exclusive.
A team was relegated for the first time in ISL, and Bengaluru FC bounced back after a defeat to Punjab FC.
AIFF has two willing commercial partners, one promising $7m annually for the next 15+5 years, but clubs still don't know what's in it for them.
Some clubs suggested unbundling rights and doing away with a commercial partner altogether, while East Bengal proposed a strange proposal.
Seven ISL clubs failed to meet licensing criteria, but AIFF is hopeful that things will move fast after the term sheet is signed.
The federation is keen on a full season starting with the Durand Cup in July and a 14-team home-and-away ISL from late August or early September.
