Rahul Giri
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to resolve their differences over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), a dispute that has placed the future of Indian football in jeopardy.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices PSNarasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, following interventions by court-appointed advisors. The dispute had reached the court after the AIFF withdrew its earlier plea for an urgent resolution.
At the heart of the tussle is the financial and operational framework governing the Indian Super League (ISL). While the AIFF has sought a fixed financial commitment from FSDL, the latter has favoured a profit-sharing model — a structure the federation has described as uncertain and risky. The outcome will have a direct bearing on the 2025-26 ISL season, which remains clouded by uncertainty, affecting clubs, players, and hundreds of personnel associated with the league.
During the proceedings, the court allowed both parties time to negotiate the contractual issues linked to the MRA and work towards a settlement. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 28 at 1:15 p.m., when the court is expected to review the progress made in the discussions.
For now, the future of Indian football hinges on whether the federation and its commercial partner can bridge their differences and reach a workable agreement within the court-mandated window.