Eleven Indian Super League clubs have written to the All India Football Federation, urging them to bring the current uncertainty over ISL’s future to the Supreme Court‘s attention. The clubs warned they would seek independent judicial intervention if AIFF fails to act, following FSDL’s decision to pause the 2025-26 season due to uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement renewal. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal were the only ISL clubs that did not sign the letter.The development occurred after AIFF proposed organizing the Super Cup in September to ensure clubs get sufficient competitive matches. This proposal came after ISL organizers FSDL put the league on hold due to uncertainty regarding the MRA renewal.The Supreme Court had previously directed AIFF not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with FSDL until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.“We respectfully urge the AIFF, in its capacity as the statutory regulator of football in India and the principal party to the proceedings, to urgently bring the current situation to the attention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” the 11 ISL clubs stated in their joint letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey.“This may be done by mentioning the matter for urgent listing and judgment and apprising the Hon’ble Court of the current situation to ensure that the ISL and associated competitions may proceed. We believe such a step is both legally permissible and in the interest of safeguarding Indian football, the AIFF’s own regulatory mandate, and the welfare of all stakeholders involved.”The clubs expressed surprise that the matter hadn’t already been brought to the Court’s attention, given its significance for the sport.“During the last hearing before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Hon’ble Judges orally observed that no major decisions should be taken until final orders are passed, which has resulted in a de facto holding pattern for the Indian Super League and associated football activities. This legal uncertainty and administrative vacuum are now threatening to cause irreversible damage to the Indian football ecosystem. Clubs are unable to plan or invest, commercial contracts are on hold, and the livelihoods of thousands of players, staff, support personnel, and stakeholders are at immediate risk. Moreover, this situation could seriously derail the momentum of football development in the country.”
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The clubs offered to support AIFF legally while making their stance clear about approaching the Supreme Court independently if needed.“We would be happy to support the AIFF legally and work jointly towards this, in a manner that protects the interests of Indian football and all its constituents. It is in the best interest of all concerned that the AIFF, as the main party and regulator, takes immediate initiative in this regard. Based on legal advice, the ISL clubs are preparing to independently approach the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for relief. However, given that the clubs are not formal parties to the current proceedings, this may not be the most efficient or effective route to resolve the situation. Should the AIFF choose not to act, we reiterate that the ISL clubs will have no option but to seek judicial recourse independently, to protect the integrity of the League and the interests of the sport.”The ISL typically runs from September to April, with the current MRA between FSDL and AIFF set to expire on December 8, 2025.The uncertainty has already impacted several clubs. Chennaiyin FC recently announced a temporary suspension of operations for their first-team players and staff. Similarly, Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC have suspended salaries of first team players and staff.Representatives from all 13 ISL clubs and FSDL attended Thursday’s meeting with the AIFF in New Delhi, either in person or virtually.
