New Delhi, India – In a significant development that has cast a shadow over the future of Indian club football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially excluded the Indian Super League (ISL) from its competitions calendar for the 2025-26 season. This omission has sparked widespread concern and speculation regarding the fate of the country’s premier football league, which has been a flagship tournament since its inception in 2014.
The Omission from the Official Calendar
The AIFF’s official release of its 2025-26 calendar notably omits any mention of the Indian Super League. While other domestic tournaments such as the Durand Cup, Super Cup/Federation Cup, I-League, Indian Women’s League, and various youth and age-group competitions are listed with their respective dates, the ISL’s absence is glaring. This has raised alarm bells among clubs, fans, and stakeholders in Indian football.
Uncertainty Over Master Rights Agreement (MRA)
The primary reason behind this unprecedented situation appears to be the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). FSDL, a joint venture between Reliance and Star, has been managing the ISL and serving as the commercial partner of the AIFF under a 15-year MRA signed in 2010. This agreement is set to expire in December 2025.
Reports indicate that FSDL officials have been holding individual meetings with ISL club owners, informing them that the next season of the ISL will not commence until there is clarity on the future of this Master Rights Agreement. The existing MRA stipulates that FSDL pays the AIFF either ₹50 crore annually or 20% of total revenue, whichever is higher.
Supreme Court’s Role and Proposed New Structure
Adding to the complexity is the pending decision from the Supreme Court of India regarding the new AIFF Constitution. This legal proceeding has reportedly put a hold on any new agreements, including the renewal of the MRA. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the AIFF Constitution after July 14, and its verdict could significantly impact the power dynamics and operational control of football leagues in the country.
Sources suggest that FSDL has proposed a new holding company model for the governance and operation of the ISL. Under this proposed structure, ISL clubs would hold 60% of the shares, FSDL 26%, and the AIFF 14%. However, a clause in the draft AIFF constitution, if ratified by the Supreme Court, states that India’s top-tier football league should be owned, operated, and managed directly by the AIFF, which would contradict FSDL’s proposed ownership structure.
Impact on Clubs and Preparations
The prevailing uncertainty has had a tangible impact on ISL clubs. Many teams have reportedly paused new player signings and deferred their pre-season training, adopting a wait-and-watch approach. There are also concerns that clubs might be hesitant to fully commit to tournaments like the Durand Cup, which often serves as a preparatory ground for the ISL season.
The current situation has left the Indian football fraternity in a state of anxiety, with the future of its flagship league hanging in the balance as stakeholders await clarity on the Master Rights Agreement and the Supreme Court’s decision.
