Indian Football body reports surplus as Supreme Court mandated reforms approach

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday passed its audited balance sheet for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, reporting a surplus of ₹18.45 crore. The decision was made during the AIFF executive committee meeting held in the national capital. The financial health of the federation has improved significantly compared to the previous year, when a surplus of just ₹1.43 crore was recorded. The current surplus reflects either an increase in revenues or better management of expenses, signaling positive growth in the administration of Indian football.

The surplus is making headlines now because it coincides with a critical period for governance reforms in Indian football. The AIFF is set to adopt a new draft constitution, approved by the Supreme Court in September 2025. A key provision, Article 25.3(c), states that Executive Committee members holding positions in state associations shall automatically vacate their state posts if they continue in the national committee. Many current AIFF EC members hold top positions in state units, and the adoption of this clause could lead to resignations or reshuffles. The news of the surplus demonstrates that the federation is financially stable as it navigates these governance changes.

To strengthen its financial position further, the AIFF has engaged KPMG India Services LLP to oversee the monetization of its commercial properties, including the Indian Super League (ISL) broadcasting and sponsorship rights. KPMG, selected through a competitive tender process, will manage the sale of commercial rights, ensuring transparency and competitiveness in line with the expectations of the 13 ISL clubs. This initiative aims to provide clarity and stability for the league, especially amid ongoing discussions around the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).

The draft constitution, prepared by former Supreme Court judge L. Nageswara Rao, was approved with modifications on September 19, and the federation has been instructed to adopt it in a Special General Meeting (SGM) within four weeks. To retain their state-level positions, Executive Committee members may need to resign from the AIFF EC before the SGM. While officials have not confirmed whether the federation will seek the Supreme Court’s intervention regarding the clause, discussions are ongoing internally.

The AIFF’s recent steps adopting a surplus budget, monetizing commercial rights, and updating its constitution indicate a focus on both financial stability and good governance. These developments are expected to strengthen the federation domestically and internationally, ensuring smoother management of leagues like the ISL, supporting grassroots development, and maintaining alignment with Asian Football Confederation standards.

With the SGM scheduled for Sunday, the AIFF is poised to implement these crucial changes, while simultaneously preparing for the next ISL season. The adoption of the draft constitution, coupled with effective monetization of commercial rights and a strong financial position, marks a major step toward transparency, accountability, and professional administration of football in India.