The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially confirmed that the Indian Super League (ISL) is on hold for the upcoming 2025–26 season. In a statement released on July 12, the AIFF said that the situation is currently sub judice and a final decision on the league’s future will be taken after the Supreme Court gives clarity.
While fans had already seen reports of uncertainty around the ISL, the latest update now confirms that planning for the next season is on pause — and the root of the issue lies in the long-standing Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which runs the ISL.
“The AIFF has taken note of the communication issued pertaining to the Indian Super League (ISL), by our partners Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), stating their inability to proceed with the forthcoming season of the ISL in the absence of clarity on FSDL’s continuing rights under a renewed contractual framework,” AIFF wrote in their statement.
“Consequently, based on legal advice, discussions between the AIFF and FSDL have been put on hold… The AIFF recognises the importance of the ISL to clubs, players, officials, and fans… While the disruption is challenging, AIFF respects the law and the Supreme Court’s direction… All efforts will be made to ensure ISL’s continuity in the best interest of Indian football,” the statement added.
FSDL has been the AIFF’s commercial partner since 2010, operating under a 15-year MRA that is due to expire in December 2025. Under the deal, FSDL pays the AIFF Rs 50 crore annually in exchange for the rights to manage, broadcast and commercialise Indian football, including the national team and the ISL.
With the current agreement nearing its end — right in the middle of the season — FSDL wrote to ISL clubs stating that, without a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, it was not in a position to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025–26 campaign. Hence, the decision to put the season on hold.
FSDL has also reportedly proposed a new model, where a holding company would operate the ISL. The structure would see ISL clubs holding 60%, FSDL 26%, and AIFF 14% stake. But this proposal is still under discussion, adding to the current limbo.
Despite the hold, the AIFF has reassured fans that all parties involved are working behind the scenes to ensure the league’s continuation, depending on the Supreme Court’s direction.
For now, Indian football’s biggest league remains in a state of uncertainty, with its future hinging on legal and contractual clarity.
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