AIFF to seek SC relief on ISL; separate National Sports Bill affidavit in the works

The federation has made this decision after a virtual meeting with ISL clubs on Thursday.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have agreed to move the Supreme Court to fast-track matters linked to its draft constitution case. The step comes after a virtual meeting with Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to find a way out of the current deadlock.

The Supreme Court’s oral observation- no major decisions until the new AIFF constitution is finalised—has left the federation unable to act. With the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) expiring in December 2025, renewal talks have stalled and FSDL has stepped back from committing to a new season.

The clubs had earlier requested AIFF to approach the apex court, requesting them to make progress in the proceedings, as the livelihoods of thousands are tied to it.

“AIFF’s counsel will orally mention the matter in court on Monday, August 18, 2025; clubs may have their lawyers present if they wish. The aim is to brief the bench on the hardships facing the football ecosystem”, said a source tracking the matter.

Breaking: Legal counsels representing both AIFF and the ISL clubs met this evening and have agreed that AIFF will mention the matter to the Supreme Court on Monday, August 18, 2025, regarding the hardships currently faced by the entire #IndianFootball ecosystem. @KhelNow

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 14, 2025

What will be placed before the Court

To support the mention, clubs have been asked to submit a short letter listing concrete hardships and any urgent points by Friday evening, August 15, 2025.

“If the bench permits after the mentioning, AIFF’s legal team will immediately file an application seeking directions—so talks can resume and the informal freeze that has stalled planning can be lifted,” the source added.

Separately, the federation will 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.

“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.

Also Read: FIFPRO urges FIFA for immediate action as future of ISL hangs in limbo

Renewal of the MRA is the key

The MRA, signed in 2010, underpins the ISL’s commercial and operational framework. It runs out in December. FSDL has made it clear it will not proceed with the new season unless a fresh long-term agreement is in place. With the Court’s pause on major decisions, the AIFF have not been in a position to finalise anything, which is what created the current logjam.

Clubs need movement, not promises

Amid all this chaos, the most affected parties are the Indian Super League clubs. There is a feeling among the clubs that their future hangs in the balance with no ISL season in sight. Clubs have been insisting that the federation apprise them of the evolving circumstances. Earlier this month, on August 7, AIFF held a meeting with ISL clubs after clubs urged the federation to take them into confidence.

The next day, on August 8, eleven ISL clubs issued a joint statement advising the federation to approach the Supreme Court to expedite matters. They also made it clear that if AIFF decides not to approach the apex court, the clubs would take the initiative and bring the attention of the court to the matter.

FIFPRO steps in: The global players’ union has also written to FIFA, calling the situation “alarming” and flagging reports of contracts being suspended “until further notice.” The letter urges FIFA to help stabilise the league and safeguard players’ livelihoods.

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