AIFF backtracks on mentioning draft constitution in Supreme Court; Amicus Curiae to mention the case

The Federation had earlier assured the ISL clubs to approach the Supreme Court to expedite the process.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has once again backtracked on its stance, this time refusing to mention the Draft Constitution issue in the Supreme Court on August 18, leaving the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs seemingly in dire straits of uncertainty and chaos.

Although Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Samar Bansal will still bring it up at 10:30 AM on Monday, AIFF’s sudden reversal has left Indian football stakeholders frustrated.

Just days ago, the federation had assured ISL clubs it would push for urgency in court. Now, after sending a formal letter followed by an email by AIFF counsel to all parties in the case on Sunday afternoon, the federation has confirmed later on Sunday evening that it will not raise the matter.

“AIFF president has been giving media interviews about helping ISL clubs, and after putting it in writing that they would mention the case in the Supreme Court, how can AIFF backtrack like this? No one can trust the AIFF president’s words now,” said a source close to the development.

Breaking: AIFF have confirmed they will NOT be mentioning the AIFF Draft Constitution matter in Supreme Court on Monday (Aug 18). However, Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan & Samar Bansal WILL mention the case at 10:30 AM tomorrow. @KhelNow #IndianFootball

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 17, 2025

This sudden U-turn highlights how the federation’s incentives remain tied to delaying the case. A verdict could trigger elections or major structural changes, but by slowing the process, the current committee secures more time in office.

Just after AIFF u-turn, Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan sent an email to all parties stating, “This is to inform you that I will be mentioning the case tomorrow (Monday( morning, along with Mr Samar Bansal, the other amicus. This will be at 10:30 am”

ISL Clubs left powerless amid uncertainty

For Indian Super League clubs, AIFF’s backtracking has come as a significant blow. Clubs are not direct parties in the case, which makes them powerless to push for urgency despite being the most affected.

Clubs have repeatedly urged the federation to take decisive action. On August 7, AIFF held a meeting with ISL sides to discuss the crisis. The very next day, eleven clubs released a joint statement asking AIFF to move the apex court. They also warned that if the federation failed to act, they would themselves draw the Court’s attention to the matter.

The federation’s silence has already stalled pre-seasons, blocked payments, and cast doubt over whether a new ISL campaign will even take place. Players remain unpaid, staff are uncertain, and the livelihoods of over 5,000 people hang in the balance.

The ISL’s future also rests on the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). Signed in 2010, the deal underpins the league’s commercial and operational framework but expires in December 2025. FSDL has already stepped away from committing to a new season unless a long-term renewal is secured. With the Supreme Court restricting the apex football body from making major decisions until the Draft Constitution is finalised, the logjam only worsens.

Why will AIFF not mention the draft constitution case in the Supreme Court?

AIFF has justified its backtracking by citing the upcoming National Sports Bill, which it claims will soon redefine the governance framework of Indian sports.

National Sports Bill is the reason given for backtracking as predicted two days ago in below article. https://t.co/BI0PBxDpNZ

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 17, 2025

The federation plans to file a separate affidavit in the Supreme Court highlighting the Bill’s passage and its wider implications, independent of the ISL clubs’ concerns.

“AIFF will separately file an affidavit to inform the court about the passage of the National Sports Bill and its implications. This filing is independent of the clubs, who will not be involved,” added a source tracking the development earlier told Khel Now.

However, insiders believe this explanation masks a deeper worry- if the Draft Constitution case is urgently heard, the Court could direct fresh elections or structural reforms, outcomes the current committee appears keen to delay.

AIFF turning a blind eye to known miseries

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. He stated that uncertainty around the league’s start has already led to layoffs and delayed salaries, impacting thousands of families. Chaubey also assured that AIFF would support clubs if they directly approached the Court for relief.

“AIFF will support the clubs if they move Supreme Court for early order or interim relief. The uncertainty of the commencement of the league has created layoffs, stopped salaries. I am told nearly 5000 families are affected. Livelihoods are at stake,” said Kalyan Chaubey earlier, speaking to TOI.

The incentives of the current AIFF committee are aligned with delaying the Draft Constitution case for as long as possible. A verdict could force fresh elections or structural changes, so by slowing things down, they buy themselves time to complete their tenure.The clubs,…

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 17, 2025

The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has intervened by writing to FIFA and flagging the situation as “alarming.” Their letter highlighted reports of contracts being suspended indefinitely and urged FIFA to ensure stability for Indian football.

However, with the federation stepping back from its own commitment, doubts remain about whether words will translate into action. The longer the Draft Constitution matter is delayed, the deeper the crisis grows for clubs, players, and the entire Indian football ecosystem.

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