Rahul Giri
In a major development that has sent ripples through Indian football, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has informed the All India Football Federation that the upcoming 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been placed on hold.
The decision stems from the lack of clarity surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between FSDL and AIFF, which is set to expire on December 8, 2025 —approximately one-third into a regular ISL season running from September to April.
In a formal communication addressed to the AIFF, FSDL expressed its inability to proceed with the planning, organisation, or commercialisation of the 2025-26 season in the absence of a definitive contractual framework beyond December.
“While discussions between FSDL and AIFF on the potential renewal of the MRA were initiated several months ago, they remain inconclusive at this time,” the letter stated.
The ISL, India’s premier football competition since its inception in 2014, typically runs from September to April. However, with the MRA set to lapse mid-season, the uncertainty has made it operationally unviable to chart a roadmap for the forthcoming edition.
FSDL has reiterated that this decision was not taken lightly and emphasised that it has been made in good faith and in the interest of transparency. The organisation has urged clubs to begin preparing for potential contingencies as it continues to monitor the situation closely.
“This communication is being issued by FSDL on a bona-fide basis… to enable all clubs to plan appropriately” it added.
FSDL concluded the letter by assuring stakeholders that they will be kept updated on any developments in a timely and transparent manner.
This unprecedented move has raised serious questions over the immediate future of the ISL and its stakeholders — including clubs, players, sponsors, and fans. With the league now in limbo, the spotlight shifts to the AIFF and FSDL to resolve the impasse and provide a clear direction for Indian football’s flagship competition.
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