Will Indian Football see a major reboot come July? With the Supreme Court bench making it clear that the current dispensation can no longer take any major decisions or negotiate with FSDL on the future of the ISL, it is evident that elections are round the corner. And between now and July 15, the final verdict is expected, which will outline the way forward and also give us a sense of the election timeline.
Will we see an infusion of fresh energy? Will there be a revamp and some real growth? The national team has seen a downward slide in the last year and a half, and things have moved to the courtroom with allegations flying thick and fast against the Kalyan Chaubey-led AIFF. While Chaubey and his team have continued to dismiss all allegations, it is now time for a reboot as the SC has suggested.
What is of interest, however, is what happens to the partnership between AIFF and FSDL, which runs out in December 2025. How will the ISL be run? What will be priority? What about the broadcast of India’s premier football league? How will it all be worked out? As a committee, which now only has the status of an interim one to oversee the workings of the Association, the Chaubey dispensation can’t take a single key call anymore.
How will FSDL view the whole scenario? Will there be hectic parleying between July and September to agree to a new dawn and some key decision-making on the ISL? What can be done to prevent embarrassing situations like the I-League title mess? What impact will this have on the national team and age-group football in India? Will there be better synergy and longer camps? How will the club-versus-country debate be seen? Finally, how will the many cases of alleged corruption be dealt with?
For the moment, all eyes are on the SC judgment. As football fans, we need it to come as soon as possible. The sport has never needed it more.