AIFF President backs ISL clubs decision to approach Supreme Court

Kalyan Chaubey has assured ISL clubs of AIFF’s support if they plan to approach SC.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has recently issued support, as ISL clubs consider approaching the Supreme Court. This comes in the wake of a recent joint statement issued to AIFF by 11 ISL clubs, urging the federation to take immediate measures and approach the Supreme Court to expedite the matters before irreparable damage is done to Indian Football.

“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 making it clear that AIFF will lend its assistance to ISL clubs.

It is pertinent to note that this statement comes after the meeting held in Delhi on August 7 between the federation and ISL clubs over the uncertainty surrounding the impending ISL season. The clubs were adamant to bring the federation to the discussion table as they expect this chaos to end, which is resulting in massive financial losses with no ISL season in sight.

Also Read: ISL clubs urge AIFF to act: Prepare to approach Supreme Court independently

Clubs want AIFF to approach the Supreme Court

11 ISL clubs wrote to AIFF on August 8, 2025, urging the federation to reach the Supreme Court and bring their attention to this matter. Earlier, Supreme Court judges had prohibited AIFF from taking any major decisions before the constitution of the federation was finalized, putting the negotiations between FSDL and AIFF over renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) in jeopardy. Now the clubs are in no mood to dwell in ambiguity, as the new season has been put on hold.

“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.

We are, in fact, somewhat surprised that the matter has not already been brought to the Court’s attention, given its gravity and implications for the sport”, read the letter from 11 ISL clubs.

This joint statement shows the desperation that has started to creep in, with stakeholders not able to find a solution to this havoc. AIFF President’s response to the joint statement is encouraging, but it also indicates AIFF’s unwillingness to approach the Supreme Court on its own, as they try to nudge ISL clubs to take the initiative. That would not be a wise move, as the clubs are not formal parties to the current proceedings.

Clubs prepare to take the initiative

The ISL clubs affirmed in their joint statement that they would not back down if it came to them approaching the Supreme Court on their own. The statement also mentioned the club’s willingness to work jointly with the federation in this matter, but if the federation shirks its responsibility, clubs would not take a step back.

“We also wish to inform you that, based on legal advice, the ISL clubs are preparing toindependently approach the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for relief. However, given that theclubs are not formal parties to the current proceedings, this may not be the most efficient oreffective route to resolve the situation.

Accordingly, it is in the best interest of all concerned that the AIFF, as the main party and regulator, takes immediate initiative in this regard”, affirmed the clubs.

Interestingly, the joint statement did not represent the sentiment of two Kolkata clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC. These two clubs opted not to be part of this clarion call from the remaining ISL clubs, raising doubts over the solidarity between the clubs as Indian Football goes through a tumultuous period.

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.