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The current agreement between organising body, Football Sports Development Limited, and the AIFF is set to expire on December 8.
Indian Super League Trophy. (X)
The All Indian Football Federation stated that it was aware of the importance of the Indian Super League to the football ecosystem in the nation, but added that it respected and was bound by the law of the land after ISL had hit pause on the 2025-26 season due to uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between the organisers and the governing body.
The current agreement between organising body, Football Sports Development Limited, and the AIFF is set to expire on December 8.
AIFF reiterated its commitment to holding the top-tier competition and expressed that it would do everything in its power to ensure the continuity of the event.
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“The AIFF is conscious of the importance of the ISL not only to the football structure in the country, but also to all the clubs, players, support staff, officials and fans, and also recognises the challenges and difficulties posed due to its disruption,” the governing body said.
“At the same time, AIFF respects the law of the land and the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” the statement added.
The AIFF has been instructed by a Supreme Court directive to not negotiate new terms of the MRA with FSDL until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case. The national governing body stated that its negotiations with FSDL had begun in a timely manner and proposals were exchanged by the parties involved, but following the Supreme Court’s order, the discussions are now on hold.
“As per the Master Rights Agreement, the All India Football Federation had, in a timely manner, first initiated the process of requesting negotiations on the terms of a potential renewal with FSDL on November 21, 2024.”
“Thereafter, senior representatives of the AIFF and FSDL convened meetings on February 5, 2025, in New Delhi and subsequently on March 5, 2025, in Mumbai, to discuss the terms of potential renewal of the Master Rights Agreement.”
“Following these deliberations, a proposal was submitted by FSDL on March 5, 2025, to which, AIFF responded with a counter-proposal on April 21, 2025. Soon after, the AIFF was advised by its legal counsel that during a hearing on April 26, 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India made an observation that the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement should not be done until its order,” AIFF’s statement read.
“Consequently, based on legal advice, discussions between the AIFF and FSDL, renewal discussions have been in abeyance pending further directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.”
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However, AIFF assured that it would take all possible steps to guard the stakeholders and sport from taking a hit.
“The AIFF and its stakeholders will take all possible steps, and do all things within their power, to ensure continuity of the ISL in the best interests of Indian football. We request the understanding of all stakeholders in the interim,” it added.
FSDL, the commercial partner of AIFF, signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. As per the MRA, FSDL pays AIFF Rs 50 crore annually, securing the rights to broadcast, manage, and commercialise Indian football, including the national team.
This sum supports the federation’s operations and development initiatives. Previously, FSDL informed ISL club owners verbally that the next edition would not commence until there is clarity on the MRA.
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