Eleven Indian Super League clubs have written to the All India Football Federation, urged them to urge the Supreme Court to bring the current uncertainty on the future of ISL. The clubs warned that if they fail to perform the work if AIFF fails to work after the FSDL’s decision to stop the 2025-26 season due to uncertainty on the Master Rights Agreement Renewal, they would look for independent judicial intervention. Mohun Bagan was super veteran and East Bengal was the only ISL club to sign the letter.The AIFF developed after a proposal to organize a Super Cup in September that the clubs got adequate competitive matches. The proposal came after ISL organizers after holding the league due to uncertainty about MRA renewal.The Supreme Court had earlier directed the AIFF not to interact with FSDL on new MRA terms until the final decision is given in the AIFF draft constitution case.11 ISL clubs said in their joint letter to AIFF President Kalyan Chowbe, “We urge their ability as a principal party, as a statutory regulator of football in India, as a principal party for action, to bring the current situation to the attention of the Honorable Supreme Court of India.”“This can be done by mentioning the case for immediate listing and decisions and to ensure the Honorable Court of the present situation that ISL and related competitions can move forward. We believe that such a step is legally allowed and in the interest of Indian football, AIFF’s own regulatory mandate, and welfare of all stakeholders.”The clubs surprised that the case was already not brought to the attention of the court, it was given importance to the game.“During the final hearing before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Honorable Judges widely observed that no major decision should be taken until the final order is passed, resulting in a real holding pattern for the Indian Super League and related football activities. This legal uncertainty and administrative vacuum is now threatening to incorrectly damage the Indian football ecosystem. Clubs are unable to plan or invest, commercial contracts are on hold, and livelihood of thousands of players, employees, support personnel and stakeholders are at risk. In addition, this situation can seriously derail the pace of football development in the country. ,
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Clubs legally offered to support AIFF, while clarifying their stance on the arrival of the Supreme Court independently when needed.“We will be happy to legally support the AIFF and work jointly to this, in such a way that Indian football and all its components protect the interests. It is in the best interests of all concerned that AIFF, as the main party and regulator, takes immediate initiative in this regard. Based on legal advice, ISL clubs are preparing to contact India’s Hon’ble Supreme Court independently for relief. However, given that clubs are not formal parties for current proceedings, this may not be the most efficient or effective passage to solve the condition. Whether AIFF should not work, we repeat that ISL clubs will have no choice but to take judicial support independently to protect the integrity of the league and sports interests. ,The ISL usually runs from September to April, with the current MRA between FSDL and AIFF sets to end on December 8, 2025.Uncertainty has already affected many clubs. Chennaiyin FC recently announced a temporary suspension of operations for its first-team players and employees. Similarly, Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC have suspended the salaries of the first team players and employees.All 13 ISL clubs and FSDL representatives attended a meeting with AIFF in New Delhi at Thursday’s meeting, either personally or virtually.
