Indian football crisis: Six ISL clubs delay pre-season, likely to skip Durand Cup 2025

Deadlock over MRA and broadcasting rights deal uncertainty stalls ISL clubs’ preparations.

Indian football is facing a cloud of uncertainty, with at least six Indian Super League (ISL) clubs delaying their pre-season preparations and are unlikely to participate in the Durand Cup 2025. The disruption occurs amid the deadlock over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the commercial partner that has managed the ISL since its inception.

The MRA, signed in 2010 for a 15-year term, is set to expire in December 2025. It includes a ₹50 crore annual guarantee from FSDL to the AIFF, which has been critical for the federation’s daily operations and football development activities.

Supreme Court puts pause on MRA talks

The Supreme Court of India, which has reserved its final decision on AIFF’s draft constitution case, has asked both AIFF and FSDL to pause all renewal talks until a final judgment is delivered after the summer recess ends on July 14, 2025.

“There’s currently no dialogue between AIFF and FSDL. The court has clearly asked both parties not to move forward with any agreement until its final decision,” a source told Khel Now.

FSDL proposes structural shift

Earlier this year, FSDL formally proposed a profit-and-loss sharing model to replace the current guaranteed-cash model to the AIFF.

“AIFF cannot operate its functions without the ₹50 crore annual support from our commercial partner. This new model won’t work for us,” a senior AIFF official told Khel Now.

In addition, FSDL proposed creating a new holding company that would govern and commercialise ISL operations.

The proposed ownership structure is as follows:

• ISL Clubs: 60% (shared equally)
• FSDL: 26%
• AIFF: 14%

This marks a significant departure from the current structure, in which FSDL retains central control under the MRA.

ISL Clubs put brakes on Pre-Season & contracts

FSDL and JioStar representatives met individually with each ISL club owner last week. During these meetings, clubs were informed that ISL 2025–26 would not begin unless clarity over the future of the MRA is established.

“Most ISL clubs have postponed pre-season and put new player contract signings on hold,” a source close to the clubs revealed.

Khel Now can confirm that FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, and Hyderabad FC/FC Delhi have decided to postpone their pre-season plans.

These clubs have also verbally informed the Durand Cup organisers—run by the Indian Army—that they are currently unable to confirm participation in the 2025 edition.

Meanwhile, the remaining ISL clubs are exploring the possibility of fielding their reserve squads for the tournament.

“Players have been told not to report on their previously scheduled dates. Everyone is in a wait-and-watch mode,” another source confirmed.

“ISL clubs have received no communication from the AIFF regarding the league or the season calendar,” added a source close to the clubs

Waiting on July 14: Indian Football at a Crossroads

As fans await the Supreme Court’s return from vacation on July 14, 2025, the future of Indian football — and the fate of more than 5,000 people who work across clubs and the league ecosystem — hangs in the balance.

The decision from the apex court will not only determine the fate of the MRA but will also impact:

• The ISL’s start date
• Club finances and operations
• Season calendar 
• AIFF elections

Clarity can’t come soon enough — for clubs, players, employees and fans alike.

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