New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will bring the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) impasse to the attention of the Supreme Court on Monday, August 18, during a scheduled hearing on the draft AIFF constitution. The apex court has already reserved its judgment on the matter, but the federation is set to highlight the severe impact the league’s uncertainty is having on players, clubs, and other stakeholders.
At the centre of the crisis is the pending renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the AIFF, originally signed in 2010. Due to the deadlock, ISL organisers put the 2025–26 season “on hold” on July 11, prompting several clubs to halt first-team operations or suspend salaries of players and staff.
In a statement on X, the AIFF confirmed:
“It has been agreed by all parties that the concerns of the ISL clubs regarding the delay in the commencement of the 2025–26 ISL season, and the hardship being felt by the players and other stakeholders, will be conveyed to the Hon’ble Supreme Court next week for its kind consideration.”
A senior AIFF source said the federation is prepared to file a formal application if the court deems it necessary. “We will attempt to mention the matter. If the judges see merit, they may ask for an application to be filed. The plight of players, clubs, and Indian football needs to be brought to their notice,” a club official told PTI.
The move follows a meeting on August 14 between AIFF and ISL club legal representatives to discuss the situation. Last week, 11 ISL clubs urged the federation to urgently present the crisis before the Supreme Court, warning that they would seek independent legal recourse if no action was taken.
Tensions escalated after the FSDL paused the league due to the unresolved MRA renewal, rejecting the AIFF’s proposal to hold the ISL while also organising the Super Cup in September to keep clubs active. The standoff has left hundreds of Indian and foreign footballers in limbo, with no clarity on when—or if—the new season will begin.
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