In a crucial development for the future of Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), held a meeting on Monday that was officially described as "constructive and positive." The meeting was conducted under a directive from the Supreme Court to find a resolution to the ongoing dispute that has put the Indian Super League (ISL) season in jeopardy.
Following the talks, the AIFF released a statement expressing optimism about the path forward. "Both parties approached the discussions in a constructive and positive spirit and expressed confidence in arriving at a mutually agreed proposal," the statement read. This joint proposal, aimed at ensuring the continued progress of Indian football, is set to be submitted to the Supreme Court on the next hearing date, August 28. Both organizations have declined further comment, as the matter is sub-judice.
Despite the positive official statement, a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over the domestic season. Some reports have suggested that the meeting did not make significant headway on key issues. Notably, the official communication made no mention of a potential start date for the ISL or other domestic tournaments, leaving clubs, players, and fans anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing.
The ongoing crisis stems from the non-renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and FSDL. This led to the FSDL putting the 2025-26 ISL season "on hold" back in July, triggering a standstill that has had severe consequences across the Indian football ecosystem, including several clubs pausing operations and suspending salaries.
The stakes couldn't be higher, with 11 ISL clubs having previously sent a letter to the AIFF warning that they "face the real possibility of shutting down entirely" if the impasse is not resolved. With the future of the league and its clubs hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the joint proposal that will be presented to the Supreme Court on Thursday, which will be a pivotal moment for the sport in the country.
