Big Day for Indian Football: Supreme Court Directs AIFF & FSDL to Ensure Smooth 2025–26 Season
In a landmark development for Indian football, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to ensure that the upcoming 2025–26 season runs smoothly, covering the Indian Super League (ISL), Super Cup, and other national competitions.
Key Directives from the Supreme Court:
- Open tender for ISL commercial partner to be conducted by October 15, 2025.
- Former Supreme Court judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao appointed to oversee the tendering process.
- FSDL waives its first-negotiation rights, opening the door for fair competition.
- FSDL has also assured timely release of payments to clubs and stakeholders.
The Court’s intervention comes amid months of uncertainty that had shaken the confidence of players, coaches, and fans alike.
The Controversy: Clubs in Crisis
Over the past few months, several ISL and I-League clubs had expressed serious concerns over the lack of clarity about the future of the league. Some clubs even went as far as suspending the salaries of players and staff, citing financial strain and the uncertainty of whether the season would even take place.
Officials from certain clubs stated that the absence of a clear roadmap from AIFF and FSDL created a “no visibility of tomorrow” situation, forcing them into difficult decisions.
🏟️ Why Reliance (FSDL) Decided to Quit ISL
The controversy deepened earlier this year when Reliance-backed FSDL announced its decision to step away from the ISL as the league’s commercial partner.
The reasons behind Reliance’s exit include:
- Mounting financial burden: Declining TV ratings and sponsorship revenue failed to match the heavy operational costs of running the ISL.
- Pressure from stakeholders: Growing dissatisfaction among clubs regarding lack of transparency and revenue sharing.
- Legal and governance challenges: Increasing scrutiny over monopolistic control in Indian football and conflict with FIFA–AFC recommendations for democratic functioning.
Reliance’s withdrawal triggered the current crisis, prompting the Supreme Court’s direct intervention to stabilize the ecosystem.
Step Towards Transparency & Stability
With the Supreme Court now setting clear deadlines and oversight mechanisms, football stakeholders are hopeful of a new era marked by transparency, stability, and growth. Fans across the nation are celebrating this decision as a much-needed push to secure the future of Indian football.
