AI Football Clubs Petition AIFF for Immediate Supreme Court Intervention
The Indian Super League (ISL) is facing an uncertain future due to a stalled renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league's operator.
The existing MRA, which is valid until December 2025, has been put on hold following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, preventing the AIFF from making major decisions until it delivers its final judgement on a case related to the AIFF's constitution.
In response to this deadlock, eleven out of thirteen ISL clubs have jointly urged the AIFF to take the matter to the Supreme Court urgently to resolve the legal and administrative uncertainty that is threatening the 2025-26 ISL season and the broader football ecosystem. The clubs warn that if the AIFF does not act, they will initiate judicial proceedings independently to protect their interests and ensure continuity of the league.
Notably, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal are the two ISL clubs that have not signed the collective letter. The uncertainty caused by the stalled MRA renewal has led to a pause in league operations, with commercial contracts on hold and financial difficulties emerging for clubs and stakeholders.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has stated that the federation will seek legal opinion on the clubs' letter and the matter at hand. Chaubey also expressed concern that the uncertainty over the league has led to people being laid off and salaries stopped at clubs, affecting nearly 5000 families.
The clubs believe that by mentioning the matter for urgent listing and apprising the Supreme Court of the current situation, AIFF can ensure that the ISL and associated competitions may proceed. They have reiterated that such a step is legally permissible and in the interest of safeguarding football, AIFF's regulatory mandate, and the welfare of all stakeholders involved.
Despite not being a party in the case about the AIFF's constitution, the clubs do not want to independently approach the Supreme Court. However, they have made it clear that they will do so if necessary to protect the integrity of the League and the interests of the sport.
In a positive development, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey proposed that the season starts with the Super Cup competition next month. However, he also acknowledged that the league could be delayed due to the matter being in court.
This situation represents a legal and administrative impasse pending Supreme Court intervention on AIFF governance, which directly affects the ISL's operational legality and future. The clubs' urgent call for action underscores the need for a swift resolution to ensure the continuity and growth of Indian football.
[1] Indian Express [2] Hindustan Times [3] The Hindu [4] Outlook India [5] NDTV Sports
- The ongoing delay in renewing the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) of the Indian Super League (ISL) has sparked concerns not only among the clubs but also international sports authorities, as reported by NDTV Sports.
- The stalled MRA renewal has brought cricket, another popular sport in India, into the picture, with many commentators on The Hindu discussing the potential impact on the broader sports ecosystem in India.
- The Supreme Court of India's directive over the AIFF's constitutional issues has put the future of sports in India in a precarious position, according to a piece in Outlook India, implying that it might affect not just football, but the entire sports landscape in the country.
