Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:ISL clubs suspend Interim Management Committee less than 24 hours before season kickoff– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
2025–26 Season begins on Saturday, but governance uncertainty deepens as 14 clubs write to AIFF
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season kicks off on 14 February 2025 with Mohun Bagan taking on Kerala Blasters in the first fixture.
Fancode, which won the bid for 2025-26 media rights, later subleased the satellite TV rights to Sony Sports Network in India.
And yet, less than 24 hours before the ball rolls, the league’s governance structure has been formally shaken.
In a joint communication dated 13 February and addressed to the All India Football Federation, all fourteen ISL clubs have suspended the existing Interim Management Committee with immediate effect.
What has happened?
The letter, signed by representatives of all 14 clubs, confirms two key developments:
- Dhruv Sood, CEO of Sporting Club Delhi, has withdrawn as a signatory on behalf of the clubs
- Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa, has resigned entirely from the Interim Management Committee
According to the clubs, these changes “materially affect the functioning, composition, and representative character” of the committee
That, in their view, makes the current structure untenable.
14 Clubs said in their letter:
For the avoidance of doubt, the Interim Management Committee was constituted purely as a facilitative and representative body to streamline communication and coordination between the clubs and the Federation.
It was never intended to:
- Operate as an independent decision-making authority
- Take major commercial, structural, financial, or regulatory decisions on behalf of the clubs; or
- Bind the clubs without their express collective mandate
Interim body now suspended
The clubs have resolved that the Interim Management Committee, in its present form, “cannot continue to function effectively or legitimately”.
With immediate effect:
- The committee stands suspended
- It cannot take decisions or issue communications on behalf of the clubs
- No position conveyed by it will be binding unless separately ratified
This is not a minor administrative tweak. It is a full institutional pause — on the eve of a new season.
New decision-making rule: 75% majority
Until a fresh structure is formed, the clubs have collectively decided that all league-related decisions must now be approved by a 75% majority of the fourteen clubs.
That includes matters relating to:
- League format
- Financial commitments
- Commercial rights
- Governance structure
- Third-party engagement
In simple terms, nothing moves unless 11 out of 14 clubs agree.
The letter makes it clear that the Interim Management Committee was never meant to function as an independent decision-making authority. It was meant to streamline communication. Not bind clubs.
“The clubs remain fully committed to engaging constructively with the Federation and all stakeholders to ensure the stability, credibility, and long-term sustainability of the league. However, given the financial, regulatory, and structural implications of the decisions presently under consideration, it is imperative that any binding determination reflects the clear and documented mandate of the majority of clubs,” clubs added in their letter
A season beginning under a cloud
The ISL has already faced delays and structural uncertainty in the lead-up to 2025–26. Now, with clubs formally suspending their own interim body a day before kickoff, the optics are difficult to ignore.
The clubs, however, have stated they remain “fully committed” to engaging constructively with the Federation and ensuring stability.
But the message is firm: no binding decision without documented majority backing.
The football starts tomorrow.
The governance questions are far from settled.
Why have ISL clubs suspended the Interim Management Committee?
All 14 ISL clubs wrote to the AIFF confirming that recent resignations and withdrawal of signatories have affected the legitimacy and functioning of the Interim Management Committee. As a result, it has been suspended with immediate effect.
When was the Interim Management Committee suspended?
The communication was sent on 13 February 2026 — less than 24 hours before the ISL 2025–26 season kickoff.
What changes have the clubs introduced?
The clubs have introduced a temporary decision-making framework where all major league decisions must be approved by at least 75% of the 14 clubs.
Does this affect the start of ISL 2025–26?
As of now, the season is scheduled to begin as planned, with matches to be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and FanCode.
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