Indian Football League concept unveiled: Clubs to participate in new era of football governance in India

New Delhi: A landmark structural announcement was made on Wednesday evening with the unveiling of the concept of the Indian Football League (IFL), a modern, club-governed national league that seeks to redefine the football ecosystem in India.

The Indian Football League will be governed by a Governing Council comprised of the participating Clubs, with one representative from each Club serving as a voting member of the Council. The Governing Council will serve as the supreme authority for the League’s sporting, commercial, regulatory and developmental matters.

By placing clubs at the centre of the decision-making process, the IFL introduces a governance model that aligns Indian club football with established global football standards. Similar frameworks are seen in the English Premier League and other major European leagues, where Clubs collectively shape league policies, commercial strategy and sporting direction.

“The Indian Football League represents a structural shift in how football competitions are run in the country,” said Larsing Sawyan, on behalf of the Clubs.

“For the first time, Clubs will have a decisive voice in shaping the ecosystem they invest in, compete in, and develop talent for.”

Rajasthan United FC owner KK Tak (centre) with Arshad Nizam of Real Kashmir FC (right) and Ashok Kumar of Gokulam FC 

The IFL model also integrates long-term principles of commercial sustainability, football development, youth pathway strengthening, and enhanced fan engagement, while operating within the constitutional framework of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and international football statutes.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation, Satyanarayan, Deputy General Secretary of the AIFF, welcomed the new governance era, stating, “The Indian Football League is a natural evolution for Indian football. A league led by its Clubs ensures deeper investment, stronger governance, and accountability. The AIFF is committed to supporting this transition, as it aligns with global norms and accelerates the development of the sport across India.”

The League aims to usher in a new era of collaboration and transparency, ensuring that league policies are formulated through technical expertise, financial responsibility, and stakeholder alignment rather than unilateral administrative control.

Further announcements regarding League structure, Season calendar, Club participation criteria, broadcast partnerships, and youth development mandates will be issued in due course.

Governing Council of the Indian Football League

The Governing Council will be composed of one representative from each participating Club:

KK TAK — Rajasthan United football club

VC Praveen — Gokulam Kerala FC

Sher Singh — Namdhari FC

Akash Banerjee — Diamond Harbour FC

Arshad Shawl — Real Kashmir FC

Larsing LD Sawyan — Shillong Lajong FC

Jivv Vickram Rao — Sreenidi Deccan FC

Robert Royte — Aizawl FC

Srinivas Dempo — Dempo SC

Representatives from the AIFF

Representatives from the League’s marketing partners

Managing Committee of the Indian Football League

The Managing Committee will oversee operational execution of the League:

Arshad Shawl — Real Kashmir FC

B Ashok Kumar — Gokulam Kerala FC

Larsing LD Sawyan — Shillong Lajong FC

KK Tak — Rajasthan United FC

Ratul Ghosh — Diamond Harbour FC

Representatives from the AIFF

Representatives from the League’s marketing partners

Tags : Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC, Gokulam FC, Football, AIFF