The I-League Clubs' Association has given an ultimatum to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday. In a letter sent to the AIFF the Clubs' Association has written that according to the last letter dated 18th November 2024, the AIFF’s new commercial partner Shrachi Sports was asked to submit commitment letters from the broadcasting partners within the next two days, by 20th November. The deadline has not been maintained. 

So, the I-League Clubs’ Association in its letter has conveyed that the teams will not kick their respective matches unless the AIFF confirms Sony Network as the official broadcaster of the I-League 2024-25. 

Ranjit Bajaj, president of the I-League Clubs’ Association when contacted said, “If the AIFF fails to sort out the issue then the club will move to the court and also sue the AIFF secretariat and president for the damages the clubs have already faced in last three months.” 

I-League is scheduled to kick off on 22nd November on Friday. Gokulam FC, Dempo SC, Churchill Brothers, and SC Bengaluru have already left for different cities to take part in their respective away League matches and Inter Kashi has also stationed at Naihati, West Bengal choosing the venue as their home matches.

Bajaj also raised questions about the AIFF’s demand of 50 percent of the total production cost from the I-League clubs. “When there has been a contract between the AIFF and Shrachi Sports then why AIFF is asking clubs to pay 50 percent of the production cost and that is directly to Shrachi Sports? We were supposed to pay the money to Sony Network or AIFF."

Bajaj added, "We have been requesting the AIFF to sort out the issue for the last three months. If we had been informed three months ago then the clubs would have been able to save investment of nearly Rs 20 crores!”