AIFF Softens Indian Striker Rule, Transfers ISL Commercial Rights to Clubs

The All India Football Federation has softened its position on the use of Indian strikers in domestic competitions, saying clubs in the Indian Super League and Indian Football League will not be forced to field an Indian forward for an entire match. The clarification marks a change from the position communicated after the federation's Special General Body Meeting on June 20.

AIFF general secretary M Satyanarayan said the decision would be left to individual clubs rather than imposed through a mandatory rule. He made the remarks at a press conference where the federation also announced an agreement to hand over the Indian Super League's commercial rights to the 14 clubs participating in the competition.

"We are leaving it to the clubs," Satyanarayan said while explaining the federation's revised approach. He added that strengthening the domestic league would ultimately benefit the Indian national team. The AIFF believes clubs are aware that the lack of a reliable goalscorer has been one of the national side's long-standing weaknesses and hopes they will provide more opportunities to Indian forwards.

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The earlier proposal had raised questions about whether clubs would be required to keep an Indian striker on the field throughout matches. The latest clarification gives teams greater freedom to make tactical and selection decisions while still encouraging them to contribute to the development of domestic attacking players. The federation is now relying on cooperation from clubs instead of enforcing the measure.

The announcement came alongside a significant change in the commercial structure of the Indian Super League. The AIFF has agreed to transfer the league's commercial rights to its 14 participating clubs, giving them a greater role in the competition's business operations. The move is expected to increase club involvement in decisions affecting the league's commercial future.

The federation also sought to clear confusion surrounding other regulatory matters, including the status of Overseas Citizens of India in Indian football. The latest developments come as the AIFF works with clubs to strengthen domestic competitions and improve the pathway for players capable of representing the national team. Further details on the implementation of the league's new commercial structure are expected as the agreement progresses.

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