The Supreme Court is expected to soon announce its decision regarding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a verdict that could significantly impact the future of the Indian Super League (ISL).
The MRA, which governs the organization of the ISL, has been a cornerstone of Indian football's professional structure since the league's inception in 2014. FSDL has been organizing the ISL since 2014 under this agreement. However, uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the MRA, which expired on December 8, 2024, led FSDL to put the upcoming ISL season "on hold" on July 11, 2025. This decision plunged the league into crisis, with several clubs facing financial difficulties and the prospect of shutting down entirely.
In response to the crisis, the Supreme Court intervened, directing the AIFF and FSDL to resolve their dispute and present a solution. On August 28, 2025, the AIFF and FSDL submitted a joint proposal to the Supreme Court, outlining a roadmap for the immediate future of Indian football, including details on competitions, commercial partnerships, and financial commitments. The Supreme Court has deferred its final verdict on the AIFF constitution case to Monday, September 1.
A key aspect of the proposal is FSDL's agreement to waive its contractual rights under the 2010 MRA, including the Right of First Negotiation and Right to Match. This paves the way for the AIFF to bring in a new commercial partner through an open tender process. The AIFF has agreed to conduct an open, competitive, and transparent tender for selecting a commercial partner to conduct the ISL, in line with global best practices. The process will conform to the National Sports Development Code 2011, the National Sports Governance Act 2025, the AIFF Constitution, and applicable FIFA/Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations. The AIFF and FSDL have agreed that this process will be concluded by October 15, 2025.
The AIFF and FSDL have come to a "consensual resolution" in the larger public interest and for the promotion of the game in India. FSDL also confirmed that it has duly discharged the July–September quarterly rights fee of Rs 12.5 crore on August 18, 2025. FSDL also agreed to advance the final tranche of the rights fee of Rs 12.5 crore (October–December 2025), if required by AIFF.
FIFA and the AFC have given the AIFF a deadline of October 30, 2025, to adopt and ratify a new constitution or face suspension from international football. A suspension would mean that national teams and clubs would be barred from participating in international competitions.
The AIFF and FSDL have decided that the 2025–26 season will start with the Super Cup or another equivalent domestic tournament. Subject to the consent of the AFC, the new league season can thereafter commence in December.
