Pretty much everyone in the know who track Indian football had seen this coming from a mile off! That the Kalyan Chaubey-helmed All India Football Federation chose to do nothing of worth to find some resolution till it was hit in the face (and is now taking cover under an upcoming Supreme Court verdict), is also par for the course.
Still, it needs recording that the AIFF has plummeted yet new depths with the confirmation at the weekend that the upcoming season of the country’s top tier Indian Super League is on hold.
Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) – the Reliance-backed entity that runs the ISL – has informed all the ISL’s 13 clubs that it is “currently not in a position to proceed with the 2025–26 ISL season and are placing it on hold until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure beyond (the) end of (the) current MRA (Master Rights Agreement) term”.
An excerpt of the letter sent by FSDL to the clubs announcing its decision reads: “As you are aware, the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF is scheduled to expire on 8th December 2025 – approximately one-third of the way through a typical ISL season, which runs from September to April.
“While discussions between FSDL and AIFF on the potential renewal of the MRA were initiated several months ago, they remain inconclusive at this time. In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025–26 ISL season.”
The AIFF, meanwhile, released a statement on Saturday that the current situation is under legal review, and a final decision on whether the ISL will go ahead this season will depend on the Supreme Court’s ruling (emphasis ours).
Since the AIFF has chosen the cover of the Supreme Court, some facts and a timeline of its actions is in order.
1. The AIFF was well aware that 8th December 2025 was the date the MRA with FSDL was due to expire. Therefore, it stands to reason that all contractual issues regarding the nation’s premier football league should have addressed as an A-priority and sorted out AND CONCLUDED at least six months before the 2025–26 ISL season kick-off.
2. BUT, it was only after the Supreme Court commenced hearing a case regarding the AIFF constitution in late March, that the federation decided to constitute a “negotiation committee” in early April.
3. Towards the end of April, the SC reserved its verdict, while also directing the current administration to not take any major decision until the final verdict is made on the constitution (that is slated for July 18). As ESPN noted, essentially, that is because if the verdict calls for fresh elections, any negotiations with FSDL over the MRA would need to happen with the new committee.
So while the AIFF may argue its hands are currently tied as the verdict of the apex court is awaited, the present imbroglio just adds to an ever-growing list of controversies that the federation has been confronting (legal and national team performance-wise) since Chaubey, a ruling party politician from West Bengal, was elected as the AIFF’s new president on September 2, 2022. It bears noting that his election also marked the first time in AIFF’s history that a former player assumed the role of president.
Clearly, Chaubey’s professional credentials as a former Team India goalkeeper have not translated to administrative acumen.
Kerala Blasters prepared for ‘worst-case’ scenarioÂ
ISL franchise Kerala Blasters are prepared for the worst-case scenario of the 2025–26 ISL season not happening.
“From our side, we have communicated the situation exactly as it is. Things are very visible and there is nothing to hide,” Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters, told Onmanorama.
“I can only speak for KBFC, but I think at least four other clubs have decided to wait and watch,” added.
