The Hindu: Published on 11 September 2025.
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India on September 1, 2025, cleared the way for the resumption of the Indian Super League (ISL) after it was suspended in July 2025 by the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
The ISL, India’s top-flight football league, was put on hold due to uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which expires in December 2025.
Background:
In 2010, AIFF signed a 15-year MRA with FSDL (a Reliance–Star Sports joint venture) to run and commercialise the ISL.
Under this deal, FSDL pays ₹50 crore annually for the rights to manage and broadcast Indian football, including the national team.
The agreement ends on December 8, 2025, creating complications since it cuts through the middle of the 2025–26 season.
Negotiations for renewal stalled, prompting FSDL to suspend the ISL season.
Supreme Court’s Role:
- The SC was already hearing a case related to AIFF’s constitution and elections, following a 2017 Delhi HC ruling that AIFF elections violated the National Sports Code.
- To prevent chaos, SC had barred AIFF and FSDL from finalising deals until its judgment.
- On August 22, 2025, SC asked both sides to create a “workable arrangement.”
On September 1, 2025, SC accepted a tentative roadmap:
- Super Cup in October 2025.
- ISL from December 2025, subject to AFC’s consent.
- Transparent tender process for a new commercial partner.
Why Was the ISL Put on Hold?
The MRA expiring mid-season meant contractual uncertainty.
FSDL did not want to operate without clarity on future terms.
SC’s pending judgment on AIFF’s constitution delayed negotiations.
What Did AIFF and FSDL Propose?
Tender Process: Open bidding for a commercial partner to conduct the ISL (FSDL waived its “Right of First Negotiation” and “Right to Match”).
Financial Assurance:
Cleared ₹12.5 crore July–September fee.
Agreed to advance ₹12.5 crore October–December fee.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): To allow execution of new commercial agreements.
Bid Evaluation Committee: Formed to finalise the process by October 15, 2025.
FIFA & AFC’s Stand:
FIFA and AFC have issued a deadline of October 30, 2025 for AIFF to adopt its new constitution.
In 2022, FIFA had suspended AIFF citing “third-party interference” when SC had appointed a Committee of Administrators.
This time, AIFF has an elected body, so suspension risk is lower — but compliance is critical.
Legal and Governance Angle:
The AIFF constitution must align with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (recently passed but not yet notified).
SC decided not to wait for notification since it could take 6 months.
A detailed SC judgment ratifying AIFF’s constitution is expected soon.
What’s Next for Indian Football?
Short-term (2025):
- Super Cup in October.
- ISL in December (if AFC approves).
- Tender for new commercial partner completed by October 15.
Medium-term (2025–26 season):
- New broadcast and revenue-sharing deals critical for clubs’ budgets.
- Possible new commercial partner if someone outbids FSDL.
Long-term:
- SC’s judgment on AIFF’s constitution will decide governance stability.
- Implementation of Sports Governance Act, 2025 will reshape administration of all federations, including AIFF.
Big Picture:
Indian football is at a turning point — the ISL has survived a major legal and contractual crisis, but its future depends on governance reforms, FIFA compliance, and commercial clarity.
