AIFF calls for urgent meeting with ISL clubs’ legal teams

The Federation pushes for urgent dialogue with ISL legal representatives.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited the legal counsels of all Indian Super League (ISL) clubs for a meeting to discuss the growing uncertainty surrounding the league’s future.

The federation, through its official social media handles, urged both the clubs’ legal representatives and its own to engage in a concrete discussion and decide the next course of action.

“The AIFF, on the evening of Friday, 8 August 2025, received a letter from 11 ISL clubs collectively requesting that the Supreme Court be apprised of the current uncertainty surrounding the ISL. On 13 August, the AIFF responded and requested that the legal counsels of the clubs and the federation meet to hold discussions on the matter and decide on further actions,” the statement from AIFF read.

The meeting between the clubs’ legal counsel and AIFF’s legal team is likely to be held on August 14 (Thursday) evening. Given the urgency of the matter, the ISL clubs are trying their best to make the arrangement as soon as possible. The meeting can be held virtually as well.

Also Read: AIFF President backs ISL clubs decision to approach Supreme Court

ISL’s future hangs in the balance

The future of India’s top-tier football league remains clouded, with livelihoods across the ecosystem hanging in the balance. Amid prolonged delays and no clear resolution, a total of eleven ISL clubs came together to draft a letter to the AIFF on August 8, intervene in the ongoing Supreme Court case that has effectively frozen decision-making in Indian football.

In their strongly worded letter, the clubs warned that if the AIFF failed to act, they might approach the Honourable Supreme Court of India independently.

“We respectfully urge the AIFF, in its capacity as the statutory regulator of football in India and the principal party to the proceedings, to urgently bring the current situation to the attention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” the letter stated.

Just days earlier, the AIFF had met with ISL club representatives and held a press conference. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey reassured that both the Super Cup and the top league would go ahead this year and expressed his support for the clubs’ decision to involve the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court of India, however, has made it clear that until the long-pending AIFF Draft Constitution case is resolved, no major decisions will be taken by the federation’s executive body.

With the AIFF now officially responding to the clubs’ letter and calling for a joint legal discussion, all eyes will be on the outcome of this meeting — one that could determine the immediate future of the Indian Super League.

AIFF President backs clubs’ move

Earlier, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey assured that the federation would fully support the clubs should they move the apex court seeking an early order or interim relief.

He highlighted that the uncertainty over the league’s commencement has already led to layoffs, halted salary payments, and disrupted the lives of nearly 5,000 families, underlining the pressing need for a swift resolution to safeguard livelihoods and the sport’s stability.

“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, speaking to TOI.

AIFF reiterates that they are not responsible for the ongoing crisis

Many on social media have expressed their frustration with AIFF due to the negligence in dealing with the Master’s Right Agreement that has put the future of the ISL in limbo. On the other hand, the AIFF President stated that the AIFF is not responsible for the ongoing crisis.

He added that the vested interests of some self-claimed reformers have created this situation. AIFF assured that they are aware of the tumultuous times and will take all necessary steps to resume football as early as possible for the benefit of the Indian football fraternity.

“It is true Indian club football is going through a crisis for which WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. Some self-claimed reformers with vested interests have created this situationI believe, by the grace of God, we will collectively be able to tide over this crisis,” said Kalyan Chaubey speaking earlier to PTI.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.