I-League clubs set to write to Amicus Curiae, urging representation of their issues before Supreme Court

I-League clubs will be highlighting their demand for the inclusion of promotion-relegation in the new MRA.

After the recent Supreme Court hearing on August 22, there is renewed hope among stakeholders in Indian Football of an end to the ongoing impasse. Joining the bandwagon, I-League clubs have also come out in the open to flag the hurdles that they are facing amid the current chaos.

The letter set to be written to Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Samar Bansal, which Khel Now has access to, has the names of 10 I-League clubs, including newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC and Chanmari FC, but has been signed by just one as of now.

The letter focused on the uncertainty prevailing over the new I-League season. It is pertinent to note that the deadlock between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has resulted in the suspension of not just the new Indian Super League season but all the leagues existing under the framework of Indian Football.

Requesting the Amicus Curiae to draw the attention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, I-League clubs wrote, “On behalf of the undersigned I-League clubs, we are writing to express our collective concern and request you to urgently present them before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

We may mention that we are not parties before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in this ongoing litigation but remain acutely affected by it. We request you to consider putting forth our point of view before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the same manner as you have done on 22.08.2025 on behalf of the ISL clubs.”

Also Read: Supreme Court approves MRA negotiations between AIFF-FSDL; next hearing on August 28

ISL suspension having a “cascading effect” on all leagues

The I-League clubs, in their letter, informed the Amicus Curiae that the suspension of the Indian Super League is detrimental for all the leagues operating below it, including the I-League.

For the Indian Football pyramid to work, it is important for the top division (Indian Super League) to commence at the earliest. If the top division becomes dysfunctional, the leagues below it in the pyramid can not function for all practical purposes.

“There are several important matters pertaining to the upcoming I-League 2025–26 season which need to be addressed by the AIFF. The ISL is the top-most league in Indian football pyramid with I-league being the 2nd division.

Due to the formal indefinite suspension of the Indian Super League (ISL), there has been a cascading effect on all leagues that are below ISL in the Indian football pyramid.

As things stand, the AIFF’s inability to sign a new Master Rights Agreement with FSDL, has led to a virtual suspension of all leagues below ISL as well”, read the letter from I-League clubs.

Logistical hurdles galore

The I-League clubs highlighted the massive logistical disaster they are currently encountering. Because of the ambiguity over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) and the impending case in the Supreme Court, the logistics of I-League clubs have also taken a hit.

“In light of this stalemate between AIFF and FSDL, the undersigned I-league Clubs have been majorly affected due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the league and cup competitions. This has led to clubs not being able to re-sign key foreign players and meaningfully effect transfers. Due to the pending court case, the undersigned clubs have not received any engagement from the AIFF.

This information asymmetry is creating significant difficulties which include but are not limited to playing calendar, fixture finalisation, venue confirmation, broadcasting and production costs, sports technology investments, club entry fees, subsidy structures, budget provisioning, prize money structure, and league composition,” wrote the I-League clubs.

I-League clubs seek no deviation from AFC roadmap

The Supreme Court, on August 22, ordered AIFF and FSDL to make progress with the negotiations over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement. This development has alerted I-League clubs, as they fear these negotiations might result in AIFF backtracking from the strict implementation of the AFC Roadmap to strike a deal with FSDL.

“We understand that as per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the AIFF and FSDL have now entered into talks about a potential renewal of the MRA. We hope that these negotiations will not be a rushed exercise and the ISL will not be a closed league going forward,” the letter read.

“It must be recalled that the AFC Roadmap, jointly finalized with the AIFF in 2019, clearly envisaged the implementation of a promotion and relegation system between the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. Any deviation from this agreed framework would risk turning the ISL into a closed league, contrary to the principles of fair competition.

The absence of a merit-based pathway for I-League clubs to achieve promotion into the ISL would not only undermine the competitive spirit of the football pyramid in India but also demotivate I-League clubs from further investment and professional development”, said the clubs.

I-League clubs reminded the Amicus curiae that a merit-driven structure is important for Indian Football to develop holistically. To incentivise I League clubs to continue their business, a system where they have something to fight for is mandatory.

Next hearing on August 28

The Supreme Court has asked the parties to come up with a solution before the next hearing on August 28. I-League clubs have capitalised on this 6-day window to put their issues in the limelight. They are not a party to the matter, similar to ISL clubs, but they expect themselves to be heard, as any decision would impact their future as well.

“We request you to highlight these concerns before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. We request that the AIFF be called upon to inform the Hon’ble Supreme Court as well as the undersigned clubs about future steps or reforms that are undertaken concerning the I-League and the broader football ecosystem.

Transparency and timely communication from the AIFF will be crucial in ensuring that clubs can adapt and contribute constructively,” said the I-League clubs, asking for accountability from AIFF

The next hearing on August 28 has the future of various parties at stake. The fans would be hoping the next hearing clears the air and lays the foundation for an enduring solution that is workable for all the stakeholders.

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