The future of the 2025–26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been thrown into doubt following a significant development between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partners, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
On Thursday, FSDL issued a statement declaring that they are currently unable to proceed with the 2025–26 ISL season, placing it on hold due to a lack of clarity regarding the extension of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which is set to expire on 8th December 2025—midway through a standard ISL season.
FSDL cited the absence of a confirmed contractual framework post-December as the reason for halting preparations. They added that ongoing discussions with AIFF regarding renewal have remained inconclusive, and planning for the new season cannot proceed without a legally binding agreement in place.
In response, the AIFF issued a detailed statement on Friday, acknowledging the communication from FSDL and clarifying its own position on the matter.
According to AIFF, the federation had formally initiated the renewal process with FSDL as early as November 21, 2024. Meetings between the two parties were subsequently held on February 5 in New Delhi and March 5 in Mumbai. Following these meetings, FSDL submitted a renewal proposal, to which AIFF responded with a counter-proposal on April 21, 2025.
However, complications arose when during a Supreme Court hearing on April 26, the Hon’ble Court reportedly observed that the renewal of the MRA should not be carried out until further orders were passed.
Acting on legal advice, the AIFF has since kept all renewal discussions in abeyance, citing the need to respect judicial proceedings and the rule of law.
“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,” the federation stated. “We recognise the challenges posed by this disruption but also respect the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.”
Despite the uncertainty, the AIFF assured all stakeholders that it will take all possible steps to ensure the continuity of the ISL in the best interests of Indian football.
As things stand, the fate of India’s top-tier football league remains tied to legal proceedings, and further clarity is expected only after the Supreme Court delivers its final directive on the matter.
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