The next 24 hours will be crucial for Indian football as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) work to resolve uncertainty over the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Supreme Court has directed both parties to submit a plan during the next hearing on August 28, leaving the league’s future in limbo.
After the Supreme Court’s go-ahead, the AIFF and FSDL officials met on August 25 to sort out the plan. Post the long meeting in Bengaluru, AIFF stated: “Both parties approached the discussions in a constructive and positive spirit and expressed confidence in arriving at a mutually agreed proposal that will ensure the continued development and progress of football in India.”
“The joint proposal will be submitted before the Hon’ble Supreme Court on August 28. The parties will make no further comments while the matter is sub-judice,” the statement said.
Reports said that another meeting is likely on August 27.
FSDL had earlier informed the AIFF that it cannot organise the ISL without the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which is set to expire in December 2025. With no clarity on the continuation of the agreement, the country’s top-tier competition faces a crisis.
The deadlock has already hit clubs, with several reportedly halting salary payments and others delaying the start of preseason training.
According to reports, the livelihoods of nearly 5,000 families connected to the league — including players, coaches, and support staff — are at risk if the standoff persists.
The ISL season, which usually kicks off in September-October, remains clouded in uncertainty as the clock ticks down to the Supreme Court hearing.
ISL Crisis Rooted in Expiring MRA
The crisis traces back to Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) formally informing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that it would not be able to organise the Indian Super League beyond the current season without the Master Rights Agreement (MRA). The agreement, which underpins the commercial and operational framework of the ISL, is scheduled to expire in December 2025. FSDL stressed that without clarity on the agreement’s extension or a new arrangement, it could not commit resources for the next edition of the league.
This communication triggered alarm within Indian football circles and eventually drew the attention of the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the matter as part of ongoing proceedings. The court has asked AIFF and FSDL to submit a concrete plan during the hearing on August 28, making the next 24 hours decisive for the future of the league.
