Eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs except Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC have formally urged the All India Football Federation to seek urgent intervention from the Supreme Court, with a warning that they will take independent legal action if the Federation fails to act. The clubs’ joint letter, sent to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, highlights the “irreversible damage” being caused by the legal impasse that has frozen key decisions for the 2025-26 season.
This move follows a meeting on August 7 between the AIFF, club representatives and Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL), which failed to resolve the core issue. The clubs’ letter expresses “surprise” that the AIFF, as the sport’s primary regulator and a party to the ongoing case concerning its draft constitution, has not already brought the matter to the Supreme Court’s attention for an expedited hearing.
The crisis stems from an oral directive by the apex court that prevents the AIFF from making major decisions until a final verdict is passed. This legal vacuum has stalled crucial negotiations to renew the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and FSDL, which is set to expire in December. Consequently, clubs are unable to plan, invest, or guarantee salaries, with some, including Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, already suspending first-team operations.
While Chaubey has assured clubs that both the Super Cup and the ISL will take place, his promise has been met with scepticism. The clubs maintain that without legal clarity on the league’s structure and funding, committing to a short-term tournament like the Super Cup is a significant financial risk. Their letter serves as an ultimatum, stating they are prepared to file their own petition to protect the league’s integrity if the AIFF does not act promptly.
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