Sports Minister Vows To Address India's Football Crisis Following Meeting With Stakeholders

New Delhi, December 3, 2025 – In a proactive move to resolve the deepening crisis in Indian football, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya convened a series of meetings with key stakeholders today, promising a swift resolution to the ongoing challenges. The meetings, held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in New Delhi, aimed to address the policy paralysis and financial instability plaguing the sport.

The crisis stems from the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) failure to secure a new commercial partner for its domestic leagues, including the Indian Super League (ISL), after the current Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) expires on December 8. The Supreme Court has directed the Sports Ministry to intervene and facilitate a solution, emphasizing adherence to FIFA statutes and global best practices.

Minister Mandaviya engaged in extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including representatives from ISL clubs, I-League teams, FSDL, prospective commercial partners, broadcasters, and OTT platforms. KPMG India Services LLP, the transaction advisor, was also present to provide clarifications during the meetings. The day-long series of meetings included separate discussions with ISL clubs, I-League clubs, and FSDL.

During the meetings, the Sports Minister directly addressed the AIFF, questioning the circumstances that led to the current predicament. He sought to understand why Indian football is facing a situation where no entity is willing to become its commercial partner. While clear answers were not immediately forthcoming, the Minister assured all stakeholders that the stalemate would not persist and a concrete plan to resolve the deadlock would be unveiled in the coming days.

The government's intervention follows growing concerns about the financial stability of clubs, with some, like Odisha FC, already suspending salary payments. The Supreme Court had previously reviewed a report highlighting the AIFF's failure to attract bidders for the ISL's commercial rights and urged all parties to find a practical solution within two weeks. The Solicitor General assured the Court of the government's readiness to support the process while respecting FIFA regulations.

The AIFF has indicated a willingness to adopt a flexible approach to resolve the crisis. This includes potentially easing payment terms for commercial rights, with the AIFF seeking government support to fund national teams and conduct tournaments if the minimum guaranteed payment amount is reduced. The AIFF conducts a significant number of matches and championships annually and relies on ISL revenue for its income.

The current situation arose after FSDL informed the AIFF in July that it was placing the ISL on hold due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA. The Sports Ministry has emphasized the importance of including all relevant stakeholders in the discussions to ensure effective deliberation.

Despite the challenges, there have been positive developments, including the Supreme Court's approval of the new AIFF constitution. This constitution, drafted under retired Justice L. Nageswara Rao, aims to align long-term solutions with global governance standards and FIFA's statutory requirements.

As the Sports Minister prepares to announce a comprehensive plan, the future of Indian football hangs in the balance. The resolution of the commercial impasse is crucial for ensuring the stability and growth of the sport in the country.