AIFF Cracks Down on Hidden Contracts, Orders Full Transparency on Player Deals by Uploading on CRS

Indian football’s governing body just closed a loophole clubs have quietly exploited for years. The AIFF has issued a fresh circular directing all affiliated clubs to upload every side letter and additional contractual document tied to player agreements onto its Centralised Registration System, effectively ending the practice of undisclosed financial arrangements running alongside official contracts.

What Sparked This Move

The directive, dated August 24, follows directly from the AIFF Players’ Status Committee’s ruling in the Dom Sahil Krishna Tavora versus Jindal Football Private Limited case. According to the circular itself, this old practice was frequently used to evade the salary cap, prompting the federation to demand complete transparency going forward.

What Clubs Must Now Disclose

The regulation states that all affiliated clubs must mandatorily upload every side letter, player bonus agreement, image rights agreement, addendum, or separate financial arrangement executed with a player directly onto the CRS, alongside the primary Player Employment Agreement.

Key Details

No Room for Excuses

Clubs that missed uploading documents for recent signings have been directed to contact the Players’ Status and Registration Department for assistance, but the AIFF has made clear that any failure, suppression, or omission will be treated as a violation of AIFF regulations, subjecting the responsible club to disciplinary proceedings and sanctions.

Why It Matters

By closing this transparency gap, the AIFF is signalling a genuine push toward cleaner financial governance across Indian club football, particularly as the ISL transitions into its new club-led commercial era. Full circular details are available on the official AIFF website.

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