The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that the 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been officially put on hold, citing unresolved negotiations over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The decision marks a significant moment of uncertainty in Indian football, coming months after a Supreme Court order in April led to the current contractual limbo.
In a statement released on Saturday, the AIFF acknowledged FSDL’s recent communication, in which the league operator expressed its inability to move forward with preparations for the new season without clarity on its contractual rights.
“The AIFF has taken note of the communication issued pertaining to the Indian Super League (ISL), by our partners Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), stating their inability to proceed with the forthcoming season of the ISL in the absence of clarity on FSDL’s continuing rights under a renewed contractual framework,” the AIFF said.
The governing body reassured fans, clubs, and stakeholders that all efforts are being made to find a resolution.
“The AIFF and its stakeholders will take all possible steps, and do all things within their power, to ensure continuity of the ISL in the best interests of Indian football. We request the understanding of all stakeholders in the interim,” the statement added.
The ISL, India’s top-tier professional football league, traditionally runs from September to April. However, the current 15-year MRA between AIFF and FSDL is scheduled to expire on December 8, 2025—midway through the upcoming season—complicating the situation further.
In a separate statement issued on Friday, FSDL addressed the participating clubs, urging patience while reiterating its commitment to transparency. “In this backdrop, we believe it is important for Clubs to be informed of the evolving situation. This communication is being issued by FSDL on a bona-fide basis and in the interest of transparency, to enable all Clubs to plan appropriately for any potential contingencies,” FSDL stated.
According to a PTI report, FSDL signed the original MRA with AIFF in 2010. Under the terms, FSDL agreed to pay ₹50 crore annually in exchange for exclusive rights to broadcast, manage, and commercialise Indian football, including the national team.
As discussions remain in abeyance, clubs, fans, and the broader football community are left in limbo, waiting for a clear path forward.
