ISL future in jeopardy? Here's what AIFF said in official statement

The Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday announced that it has put the 2025-26 season "on hold" due to uncertainty surrounding the renewal of Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the event organisers and the All India Football Federation. The Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) informed the same to all participating clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), reports said.

 

ISL, India's top-tier football league, typically runs from September to April. The current Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL, the event organiser, and AIFF is set to expire on December 8, 2025. By this date, the ISL season would already be in its third month.

 

The FSDL is also planning to make a new holding company that operates the ISL, with participating clubs (60 percent), FSDL (26 percent) and AIFF (14 percent) as shareholders, an earlier report by news agency PTI had claimed.

 

"In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025-26 ISL season.

 

"Given this situation, we regret to inform you that we are currently not in a position to proceed with the 2025-26 ISL season and are placing it on hold until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure beyond end of current MRA term.

 

"We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly," FSDL said in a letter addressed to all the ISL clubs..

 

Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the AIFF has been asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with (FSDL), the apex governing body's commercial partner running the ISL, until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.

 

The FSDL said in the letter, "As you are aware, the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF is scheduled to expire on 8th December 2025 - approximately one-third of the way through a typical ISL season, which runs from September to April.

 

"While discussions between FSDL and AIFF on the potential renewal of the MRA were initiated several months ago, they remain inconclusive at this time.

 

"In this backdrop, we believe it is important for Clubs to be informed of the evolving situation. This communication is being issued by FSDL on a bona-fide basis and in the interest of transparency, to enable all Clubs to plan appropriately for any potential contingencies.".

 

The FSDL also assured the clubs that it is "monitoring developments closely" and will continue to keep them informed "in a timely and transparent manner.".

 

"We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate this period of uncertainty."

 

FSDL is also the commercial partner of AIFF, and they signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. According to the MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF RS 50 crore annually, and in turn get the rights to broadcast, manage and commercialise Indian football, which also includes the national team.

 

The sum from the FSDL supports the federation's operations and development initiatives.

 

While the renewal talks between the AIFF and FSDL for the ISL are currently on hold, awaiting directions from the Supreme Court, the AIFF said that it acknowledges the ISL's importance to Indian football, including clubs, players, and fans, but it also respects the ongoing legal process and the Supreme Court's authority.

 

"The AIFF is conscious of the importance of the ISL not only to the football structure in the country, but also to all the clubs, players, support staff, officials, and fans, and also recognises the challenges and difficulties posed due to its disruption. At the same time, AIFF respects the law of the land and the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The AIFF and its stakeholders will take all possible steps and do all things within their power to ensure continuity of the ISL in the best interests of Indian football. We request the understanding of all stakeholders in the interim," the football body said in an official statement. 

 

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