The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially confirmed a pause on the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season, citing unresolved legal matters currently under review by the Supreme Court.
The announcement has sent ripples through the Indian football community, with players, clubs, and fans eagerly awaiting clarity.
According to a statement issued by the AIFF, contractual uncertainties related to the Master Rights Agreement with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL)—the league’s operational and commercial partner—are at the heart of the delay. With the 15-year deal nearing its end in December 2025 and no renewed agreement in sight, FSDL informed ISL clubs that planning for the new season would be unviable without legal clarity.
As a proposed solution, FSDL has floated the idea of forming a new holding structure: clubs would hold a 60% stake, while FSDL and AIFF would retain 26% and 14% respectively. Though talks are still underway, the Supreme Court’s ruling remains the decisive factor in whether this model, or the ISL itself, proceeds.
“The AIFF recognises the significance of the ISL for Indian football but also respects judicial authority,” the federation noted, urging patience while stakeholders work toward a solution.
Fans now find themselves in a waiting game, hopeful that India’s most prominent football league will soon return with stronger legal foundations and a renewed governance structure.
