AIFF invites ISL clubs for talks amid uncertainty over future

The MRA stall continues to be a subject of conversation among football fans in India.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has reached out to Indian Super League (ISL) clubs in an attempt to break the current deadlock over the early commencement of the league, even as the matter remains sub judice before the honorable Supreme Court.

In an official letter dated 11 December 2025, Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan responded to a communication from Mohun Bagan Super Giant director Vinay Chopra and the CEOs of all ISL clubs, acknowledging their concerns while calling for collective deliberation.

AIFF seeks to break the deadlock

The letter, addressed to Chopra and marked to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, indicates that the federation is seeking a formal meeting with representatives of all ISL clubs to discuss the way forward. Satyanarayan stated that the AIFF is already in “active communication with all stakeholders” and emphasised the need to arrive at a “viable solution” at a time when administrative and legal complexities surround the league’s structure.

“Please be informed that the AIFF is in active communication with all stakeholders to arrive at a viable solution. It is important that we collectively deliberate on a practical and feasible way forward.

As the matter is currently sub judice before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, and with the report already submitted by Justice L. N. Rao to the Court, our options remain limited,” the letter read.

A major point highlighted in the letter is the legal constraint currently binding the federation. With the restructuring of Indian football pending before the Supreme Court and the final report submitted by Justice L. N. Rao now under judicial consideration, Satyanarayan noted that the AIFF’s options remain limited.

“At present, there are two possible approaches:

1. To collectively explore an amicable alternative solution.
2. To await the final directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court ,” the letter read.

As a result, any immediate decision regarding the early start of the ISL or broader governance matters cannot be taken unilaterally.

“Any proposal from your end will need to be placed before, and approved by, the AIFF Executive Committee and the General Body, scheduled to meet on 20th December 2025,” it concluded.

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Is there an amicable solution in sight?

The AIFF has outlined two possible approaches: firstly, to await the Supreme Court’s final directions, and secondly, to explore an “amicable alternative solution” through constructive dialogue among all parties involved. The latter appears to be the focus of the federation’s current outreach, as it attempts to keep communication channels open and ensure that the clubs’ proposals can be formally considered.

Crucially, Satyanarayan clarified that any proposal submitted by the ISL clubs—including those pertaining to scheduling or structural changes—must be placed before the AIFF Executive Committee and General Body for approval. Both bodies are scheduled to convene on 20 December 2025, making the next nine days critical for negotiations.

The letter strikes a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the concerns raised by the clubs while simultaneously underscoring the federation’s institutional limitations. It also reflects the heightened tensions between the AIFF leadership and club representatives, who have been pushing for quicker decision-making and greater transparency in the federation’s handling of league matters.

As Indian football finds itself at another significant crossroads, the outcome of the proposed meeting, and the Supreme Court’s impending directions, will likely shape the trajectory of the domestic league system for years to come.

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