Ten I-League clubs have jointly written to the amicus curiae in the Supreme Court case concerning the All India Football Federation (AIFF) constitution, urging that a system of promotion and relegation be incorporated into the new Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
The letter, addressed to Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Advocate Samar Bansal, highlights the growing unease among clubs over the uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming season. “We may mention that we are not parties before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in this ongoing litigation, but remain acutely affected by it. We request you to consider putting forth our point of view before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the same manner as you have done on 22.08.2025 on behalf of the ISL clubs,” the clubs wrote.
The signatories include Aizawl FC, Namdhari FC, Rajasthan United, Dempo SC, Gokulam Kerala, Real Kashmir, Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong, and newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC and Chanmari FC. Missing from the list were Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers, last season’s top two, along with Sporting Club Bengaluru and Delhi FC, who were relegated.
The clubs expressed concern that the AIFF’s failure to renew the MRA, which expires in December 2025, has already brought the domestic structure to a standstill. With the Supreme Court directing the AIFF and FSDL to resolve their differences, the Indian Super League season has been on hold since July 11, casting a shadow on the I-League as well.
The letter warned against attempts to turn the ISL into a “closed league.” A draft MRA circulated earlier this year had proposed a 10-year moratorium on promotion and relegation, which clubs argue runs contrary to the AFC Roadmap agreed in 2019. “Any deviation from this framework would risk undermining the competitive spirit of Indian football,” the clubs noted.
The group also flagged practical difficulties arising from the impasse, including the absence of clarity on calendars, fixtures, broadcasting, entry fees, prize money, and subsidy structures. With the next hearing scheduled for August 28, the clubs pressed for a merit-based pathway into the ISL, stressing that livelihoods of players, support staff, and the passion of fans remain at stake.
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