ISL row: AIFF points to SC case as reason for master rights agreement delay

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday said an observation by the Supreme Court has effectively stalled the finalisation of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), putting the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season on hold.

The national football governing body stated that it had engaged FSDL to negotiate the renewal terms of the existing agreement but was unable to finalise the deal after legal advice warned against proceeding without further instructions from the top court.

“As per the Master Rights Agreement, the All India Football Federation had, in a timely manner, first initiated the process of requesting negotiations on the terms of a potential renewal with FSDL on November 21, 2024. Thereafter, senior representatives of the AIFF and FSDL convened meetings on February 5, 2025, in New Delhi and subsequently on March 5, 2025, in Mumbai, to discuss the terms of potential renewal of the Master Rights Agreement,” AIFF said in a statement released Saturday.

“Following these deliberations, a proposal was submitted by FSDL on March 5, 2025, to which, AIFF responded with a counter-proposal on April 21, 2025.
“Soon after, the AIFF was advised by its legal counsel that during a hearing on April 26, 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India made an observation that the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement should not be done until its order,” it added.

The federation further clarified, “Consequently, based on legal advice, discussions between the AIFF and FSDL, renewal discussions have been in abeyance pending further directions from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.”

Meanwhile, FSDL, in a communication addressed to participating ISL clubs, a copy of which was accessed by IANS, revealed it had no option but to temporarily suspend planning for the ISL 2025–26 season. It attributed this decision to the lack of a finalised agreement, which hindered the operational and commercial preparation for the upcoming season.

“Given this situation, we regret to inform you that we are currently not in a position to proceed with the 2025–26 ISL season and are placing it on hold until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure beyond the end of the current MRA term. We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly,” the FSDL letter read.

The organisation highlighted that the existing agreement with AIFF would lapse on December 8, 2025—about one-third into a standard ISL season, which typically runs from September to April. The letter noted that the AIFF had not provided a conclusive response to the MRA renewal proposal.

Despite the impasse, AIFF emphasised the significance of the Indian Super League within the national football ecosystem. It acknowledged the broader impact on all associated parties, clubs, players, staff, officials, and fans, and reiterated its commitment to the league’s continuity.

“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, and also recognises the challenges and difficulties posed due to its disruption.

“At the same time, AIFF respects the law of the land and the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The AIFF and its stakeholders will take all possible steps and do all things within their power to ensure continuity of the ISL in the best interests of Indian football. We request the understanding of all stakeholders in the interim,” it added.

The origins of this partnership date back to December 2010, when IMG Reliance, a joint venture between IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries, secured the commercial rights for Indian football from AIFF for a 15-year period. The agreement granted IMG Reliance full authority to manage and monetise the sport across all levels in India, with the goal of enhancing its reach and professionalism from grassroots to elite football.
(With IANS Inputs)