THE SPORTS MINISTRY has scheduled a crucial meeting on 3 December to discuss the future of the Indian Super League (ISL), inviting the All India Football Federation (AIFF), ISL clubs, and other stakeholders in the domestic football ecosystem, Sportstar reported.
Six meetings will take place at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday, including separate sessions with ISL clubs, I-League clubs, and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the organisation that operated the ISL for 15 years. All meetings involving I-League and lower-division clubs will be held in person. The day will conclude with a joint conference bringing together all stakeholders.
“It is also requested that representatives of Transaction Advisor, viz. KPMG India Services LLP may also be asked to attend all the meetings to provide required clarifications during the proposed meeting,” the Ministry’s communique, as seen by Sportstar, stated.
The 2025-26 domestic football season remains clouded in uncertainty, with several top-tier clubs including reigning ISL champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant, suspending first-team operations.
The Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF expires this month, and the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued for a new commercial partner has so far attracted no bids.
In response, the AIFF approached the Supreme Court with ISL clubs present during the proceedings. Delegates from these clubs also met the Sports Minister subsequently. Wednesday’s meeting follows these developments. ISL clubs had previously convened at the Football House, where Doordarshan emerged as one of the potential broadcast partners for the 2025-26 season. It is expected to attend the discussions at the SAI headquarters as well.
