FSDL, the organisers of the Indian Super League (ISL), has informed clubs that ISL 2025-26 is being placed on hold due to lack of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December 2025 when the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and the governing body AIFF expires.
They indicated that with no clarity on the same, they find themselves unable to effectively plan, organise or commercialise the upcoming season.
Following the communication by FSDL to its clubs/franchises AIFF released a statement indicating that while it is aware of the importance of continuity of the top division in the country, it can only come to a decision once the Supreme Court issues an order regarding the constitution and structure of the AIFF.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed AIFF to refrain from undertaking an MRA agreement until a final judgment is passed on the AIFF draft constitution.
That judgement is expected to be tendered tentatively by the 18th of July.
The AIFF has indicated that it remains committed to the continuity of the ISL. However, there has been criticism of the governing body from various quarters that the MRA issue could have been sorted years if not months ago considering the December 2025 lapse of agreement was known to all parties when it was first signed – more than a decade ago.
The standoff between the parties stems from FSDL’s proposal of a new ownership structure wherein a new entity will be formed to run the ISL. Clubs will own 60 percent of the new entity, FSDL will own 26% and AIFF the remaining 14% in a profit-and-loss sharing model with FSDL retaining veto power. However, as per the earlier MRA, AIFF was getting 50 crores a year – the absence of which is a major concern for the governing as it formed a substantial chunk of its budget to run its operation.
FSDL has also indicated as per the new terms that there will be no relegation for the next 10 years and strict conditions for promotion from the I-League deviating from the roadmap promised to the AFC a few years ago.
Further reading on the issue:
Indian football on the edge as top-tier ISL is kept on hold
With ISL on hold, AIFF enters new depths of incompetence
FSDL turns down, AIFF counter-proposal, calls for comprehensive approach to league structure
[…] The pair were at loggerheads due to lack of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December 2025 when the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and the governing body AIFF expires. This led to the league being suspended definitely. […]