The future of the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season hangs in the balance as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially confirmed that the tournament is on hold pending a Supreme Court ruling. In a statement issued on July 12, the AIFF said legal clarity is essential before moving ahead, bringing planning and preparations for India’s top-tier football league to a grinding halt.
At the heart of the dispute is the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the commercial entity that has managed the ISL since its inception. Signed in 2010, the 15-year deal is set to expire in December 2025, and a new framework is yet to be agreed upon. As a result, FSDL has expressed its inability to proceed with the next ISL season until its future role is defined.
In its statement, the AIFF acknowledged FSDL’s concerns, stating:
“FSDL has communicated its inability to proceed with the forthcoming ISL season without clarity on its continuing rights under a renewed contractual framework. Based on legal advice, discussions between AIFF and FSDL have been put on hold.”
Despite the disruption, AIFF affirmed its commitment to Indian football’s long-term interests:
“AIFF recognises the importance of the ISL to clubs, players, officials, and fans… While the disruption is challenging, we respect the law and the Supreme Court’s direction.”
In a bid to resolve the deadlock, FSDL has proposed a significant structural change for the league — a new holding company where:
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ISL clubs would own 60%
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FSDL would retain 26%
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AIFF would hold the remaining 14%
While this model could democratize control and bring clubs more ownership, it is still under negotiation and far from finalized.
Currently, FSDL pays AIFF Rs 50 crore annually to oversee key football properties, including the Indian national team and ISL. But with the contract’s expiry approaching and a lack of consensus on the future, the 2025–26 ISL season now faces an indefinite pause.
Until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict, the league remains in limbo — leaving clubs, players, sponsors, and fans anxiously awaiting clarity.
