New Delhi: The Supreme Court has cleared the decks for stability in Indian football, allowing the current All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee, led by President Kalyan Chaubey, to continue in office until the end of its term in September 2025. The court has also directed the AIFF to adopt the dual-post ban and align its governance framework with the forthcoming National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
In an order passed by a bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, the apex court resolved two key disputes in the AIFF’s draft constitution, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the federation’s administrative setup. The ruling confirms that no fresh elections will be required until the current committee completes its tenure, with the next elections expected in 2026.
“This decision provides much needed clarity and stability. Now we can focus on governance reforms and football development rather than litigation,” Chaubey said after the verdict. He added that the AIFF’s immediate priorities include ensuring transparency, strengthening state associations, and working in alignment with FIFA and AFC guidelines.
The Supreme Court’s nod effectively endorses the AIFF’s new draft constitution pending formal adoption at a general body meeting to be held within four weeks. The court has suggested minor modifications to ensure compliance with international sporting standards and national governance principles.
What the Verdict Means for Indian Football
The judgment goes beyond administrative relief. It allows the AIFF to move ahead with crucial commercial and sporting decisions that had been in limbo, including renegotiating its partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) for the Indian Super League (ISL), whose current agreement expires in December 2025. It also provides a stable framework for conducting domestic tournaments like the ISL and Super Cup without legal distractions.
For the national teams, the order brings a sense of continuity as India prepares for key international fixtures and aims to build on recent performances in the CAFA Nations Cup.
The ruling marks the culmination of a long legal process that began in 2017 when the Supreme Court directed AIFF to frame a new constitution in line with global best practices. The version drafted under former Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao in 2023 had been pending approval, delaying crucial reforms and even drawing warnings from FIFA over compliance.
With the top court’s final approval, that cloud of uncertainty has now lifted. Indian football, long caught between legal hurdles and administrative disputes, finally has a clear roadmap ahead one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and grassroots development.
