The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is taking decisive steps to secure its commercial future and ensure the smooth operation of Indian football. Following a Supreme Court directive, the AIFF has formed a three-member committee to oversee the selection process for a new commercial partner. This move aims to bring transparency and efficiency to the process, which is crucial for the continued growth and stability of the sport in India.

The Supreme Court's involvement stems from the impending expiry of the AIFF's 15-year contract with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in December 2025. This situation created uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) and the broader football calendar, leading to the court's intervention to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for a new commercial partner. The Supreme Court approved a "consensual resolution" between the AIFF and FSDL to address the situation.

The three-member Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) will be responsible for overseeing the entire tender process. The committee is chaired by retired Justice L. Nageswara Rao, a former judge of the Supreme Court, ensuring impartiality and adherence to the highest standards of governance. The other members of the committee are Kesavaran Murugasu, a member of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Audit and Compliance Committee, and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. Justice Rao also has the option to appoint one or two professionals to assist him in the selection process.

The AIFF Executive Committee held a virtual meeting on September 6, 2025, where it approved the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. This is a crucial step in identifying an agency to manage and award the rights to monetize AIFF's commercial properties for a specific period. The AIFF's MRA Task Force Committee, formed earlier in April 2025, will continue as the Tender Committee, evaluating the recommendations of the professional services firm.

The Supreme Court's intervention has not only paved the way for the selection of a new commercial partner but has also ensured the timely commencement of the Indian football season. The court has emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive continuity and urged the AIFF to take all necessary measures to achieve this. As a result, the AIFF has decided to hold the Super Cup tournament from October 25 to November 22, 2025, in a phased manner.

The selection of a new commercial partner is expected to be completed by mid-October 2025, allowing the ISL to begin in December. This timeline provides certainty to clubs, broadcasters, sponsors, and other stakeholders involved in Indian football. FSDL has also agreed to waive its contractual right of first negotiation and right to match under the 2010 agreement, further streamlining the process.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed his relief and optimism following the Supreme Court's order, noting that it clears the path for the upcoming season. He acknowledged the uncertainty that had affected player salaries and pre-season training, and emphasized that the AIFF can now focus on commencing the season smoothly.