Even As SC Verdict Is Awaited, AIFF Assures Clubs ISL Will Go Ahead This Year

Amid mounting concerns over the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has assured clubs that the top-tier league will be held this year.

This was communicated during a meeting with ISL clubs on August 7, 2025, where the AIFF also indicated that the Super Cup is expected to be scheduled ahead of the league’s commencement.

The clarification comes in the wake of a statement by the AIFF’s commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), expressing its inability to proceed with the forthcoming season of the ISL due to a lack of clarity on FSDL’s continuing rights under a renewed contractual framework.

At the heart of the issue lies the pending renewal of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA), originally signed in 2010 and set to expire in December 2025. Discussions have stalled following an oral direction from the Supreme Court during a hearing on April 26, 2025, that the renewal of the MRA should not be done until the Court delivers its verdict on the AIFF constitution.[1]

This deadlock has left clubs in a difficult position. Odisha FC reportedly suspended player and staff contracts effective August 5, 2025. Bengaluru FC followed with an indefinite suspension of salaries for its first-team players and staff. Soon after, Chennaiyin FC also announced a temporary halt to its operations.

In response, the AIFF convened a meeting with club CEOs to address concerns. However, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey clarified that the Federation couldn’t intervene in club-level decisions regarding player or staff payments.

[1] All India Football Federation v. Rahul Mehra and Ors. [SLP(C) Nos.30748-30749/2017].