Following the Supreme Court’s directive to resolve their ongoing dispute, the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) is reportedly ready to meet with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) within the next 24 to 48 hours. The meeting is a direct result of the court’s order to negotiate a settlement before the next hearing on August 28.
According to sources, FSDL believes that ISL clubs, as major financial investors and key stakeholders, must be part of these discussions. This is not a new issue but a central part of FSDL’s position, which maintains that the clubs’ long-term interests and the league’s sustainability depend on their direct involvement.
The core issue remains the length of the new contract. According to sources, FSDL is pushing for a long-term agreement, which it believes is essential for the stability and growth of Indian football. FSDL argues that its significant financial investments in the league, which have resulted in serious losses so far, require a longer tenure to become sustainable and profitable.
In contrast, the AIFF had proposed a short-term, six-month extension for FSDL to run the Indian Super League (ISL) under the same terms as the previous season. The federation’s goal with this proposal was to buy more time to decide on the MRA’s renewal next year.
With the future of Indian football at a critical crossroads, the Supreme Court has urged both parties to find a collaborative solution. The court’s intervention has opened a window for negotiation, but the success of these talks will depend on the willingness of both the AIFF and FSDL to compromise and work together for the greater good of the sport. The clubs, whose very existence is at risk, are hoping they will also be brought to the table to ensure a lasting solution is found.
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