The Indian Super League faces its most severe crisis since inception, with multiple clubs suspending operations and halting player salaries amid contractual uncertainty. The 2025-26 ISL season has been officially placed “on hold” due to unresolved issues between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), leaving India’s premier football competition in limbo. Recent developments have seen three major clubs cease operations entirely, prompting urgent intervention from football authorities.
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The Crisis Unfolds: ISL Season in Jeopardy
The country’s top-tier league normally runs from September to April, and the current Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which organises the event, and the AIFF is scheduled to expire on December 8, 2025, by which time the ISL would be into its third month.
The crisis stems from a Supreme Court directive that has fundamentally altered the landscape of Indian football. Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the AIFF has been asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with FSDL, the apex governing body’s commercial partner running the ISL, until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.
Financial Implications of the Deadlock
The financial ramifications have been immediate and severe. Under the existing 15-year MRA between AIFF and FSDL established in 2010, FSDL committed to providing ₹50 crore annually to the AIFF, in return receiving broadcast, marketing, and operational rights for top-tier Indian football properties, including the Indian Super League and the national team.
Current MRA Financial Structure:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Payment | ₹50 crore from FSDL to AIFF |
| Contract Duration | 15 years (2010-2025) |
| Expiration Date | December 8, 2025 |
| Rights Included | Broadcasting, marketing, ISL operations, national team |
| Built-in Increase | 5% annual increment |
Clubs Take Drastic Action
The uncertainty has forced several prominent ISL clubs to take unprecedented steps. Chennaiyin FC suspended its operations, becoming the third club to halt first-team activities after Bengaluru FC indefinitely suspended contracts and Odisha FC stopped paying salaries to their first-team players and staff.
Timeline of Club Suspensions:
| Date | Club | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Late July 2025 | Odisha FC | First to suspend salary payments |
| August 5, 2025 | Bengaluru FC | Indefinitely suspended player contracts |
| August 6, 2025 | Chennaiyin FC | Complete operational suspension |
“In the light of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of the ISL, Chennaiyin FC has taken the extremely difficult decision to temporarily pause club operations,” the Chennai-based club said on its social media handle.
AIFF Responds: Promise of Continuity and Match Guarantees
Despite the mounting crisis, AIFF leadership has moved to reassure stakeholders with concrete commitments. Following the all-important AIFF-FSDL-ISL clubs’ CEO meeting in New Delhi, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president, Kalyan Chaubey, reaffirmed to the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs that the 2025-26 season will indeed take place but is likely to do so later than originally planned.
The next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier football league since 2019, was scheduled to start on September 14. But with uncertainty over the contract with its marketing partners beyond December 8 this year, when the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) concludes, the league has been paused.
Detailed Assurances from AIFF Leadership
“The Super Cup and (top-tier) league both will happen,” AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told reporters after meeting representatives of clubs in the presence of FSDL, its marketing partners, on Thursday. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has assured all top-tier clubs in the country that they will have the same number of matches to compete like previous seasons with the Super Cup expected to take place in September and a top-tier league to follow.
“We will first have the Super Cup because the clubs have a (financial) commitment towards squads of 30-40 players. They have to plan the season as per the number of matches. We have told them that whatever matches they were supposed to play, it will take place,” Chaubey explained.
Strategic Meeting Details
Behind closed doors in the Capital, representatives of clubs met Chaubey and senior AIFF officials which included NA Haris (vice president), treasurer Ajay Kipa, chairperson of the finance committee Menla Ethenpa and chairperson of the league committee Lalnghinglova Hmar. Notably, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal and Odisha all joined the meeting virtually.
It marks the first time all ISL clubs, AIFF, and FSDL are meeting together since the ISL began in 2014 — and could resolve the uncertainty around the MRA and 2025–26 season.
Club Solidarity and Demands for Short-Term Solutions
The crisis has prompted unprecedented cooperation among ISL clubs, with stakeholders pushing for immediate interim measures. According to those present at the meeting, clubs were in favour of AIFF and FSDL mutually agreeing a short-term extension to complete the season and then, if both parties agree, sign a long-term deal, depending on the Supreme Court’s order on the draft constitution.
Financial Concerns and Investment Protection
At least three clubs – Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC — have suspended operations and put player salaries on hold, while six clubs have not yet started pre-season activities. The financial implications are staggering, with each club facing investments of approximately ₹30 crore.
“It makes no sense to play the Super Cup if there is no confirmation about the ISL,” a club CEO told media after the meeting. “What is the point of assembling a squad only for the Super Cup? There is about ₹30 crore investment at stake and no owner will be willing to take a risk. There was no assurance on ISL.”
“A short-term extension is the need of the hour. It provides time for everyone to find a permanent solution and save clubs from losing their investments. If there’s no immediate action, more clubs will be forced to suspend operations,” said another CEO.
Legal Constraints on Interim Solutions
Chaubey acknowledged the federation’s openness to extensions but expressed concerns about potential Supreme Court violations. The AIFF president said the federation didn’t have a problem with an extension, but there were doubts if any agreement would be a violation of the apex court’s oral order.
The clubs also wanted AIFF to approach the Supreme Court for an interim order but were told they’ll have to wait till legal opinion is sought. “We all want the judgment to come at the earliest. Nobody is thinking about a delay,” said AIFF vice president NA Haris.
Ongoing Dialogue and Next Steps
At the meeting, clubs voiced their concerns related to the financial implications of a delayed season, or not having the league at all. “AIFF listened to us, sympathised. They also mentioned that the league will happen, but nothing has been resolved yet. The plan is to meet again in about seven to ten days,” said a senior club official, whose team is competing in the Durand Cup.
After the meeting, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur, who was present for the press briefing, emphasized the complexity of the situation: “You cannot just press a button and then things fall into place. It takes a lot of coordination, a lot of logistical work that needs to happen. So, once we have some clarity on that, like the AIFF president said, we will come back collectively to discuss. We are all here because we want the game to continue.“
The Battle Over the Master Rights Agreement
The current standoff centers on fundamentally different visions for the ISL’s future structure and governance.
FSDL’s Proposed Changes
FSDL wants a complete overhaul of the existing agreement, proposing the creation of a new jointly-owned company to manage the league. They argue that the current system results in losses of nearly ₹500 crore annually and that continuing in this manner is financially unsustainable.
FSDL’s New Ownership Model:
| Stakeholder | Proposed Ownership Percentage |
|---|---|
| ISL Clubs | 60% |
| FSDL | 26% |
| AIFF | 14% |
AIFF’s Counter-Proposal
The federation has presented its own vision for the agreement’s renewal. AIFF also calls for an annual solidarity payment of ₹50 crore or 10% of the league’s revenue (whichever is higher), with a 5% increase each year. These funds would go to a Game Development Fund to ensure continued support for grassroots, youth, and national competitions.
Legal Constraints and Supreme Court Involvement
The situation is further complicated by ongoing legal proceedings. The AIFF was advised by its legal counsel that during a hearing on April 26, 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India made an observation that the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement should not be done until its order.
This legal constraint has effectively frozen negotiations at a critical juncture. “Consequently, based on legal advice, discussions between the AIFF and FSDL, renewal discussions have been in abeyance pending further directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India“.
Club Solidarity and Demands for Action
Eight ISL clubs—Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC and Punjab FC—have written to the AIFF calling for a “constructive dialogue” regarding their future.
Notably absent from this coalition were several prominent clubs. The Kolkata giants—Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting—as well as Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC did not sign the letter.
Impact on Indian Football Ecosystem
The crisis extends far beyond immediate operational concerns, affecting the entire football ecosystem in India.
Player Welfare and Career Implications
The suspension of operations has left hundreds of players and support staff in financial uncertainty. For players, especially emerging talent, the delay could mean missed opportunities and stalled careers.
International Commitments at Risk
The situation poses significant challenges for India’s international football obligations. This is especially onerous for the likes of Mohun Bagan SG, ISL champions in 2024-25, which will have to represent India in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two continental competition, with neither a solid pre-season, contractual security for its biggest names, nor, potentially, a running domestic league to generate revenue and maintain match fitness.
Alternative Competition Plans
Despite the ISL uncertainty, AIFF has outlined alternative competitions to maintain football activity. The Super Cup looks set to take place before the new ISL campaign can begin, and this tournament might act as a preseason one for the clubs not participating in the Durand Cup.
AIFF’s 2025-26 Competition Calendar:
| Competition | Scheduled Period | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Durand Cup | July 15 – August 23, 2025 | Confirmed |
| Super Cup | September 1 – 20, 2025 | Before ISL |
| I-League | Regular schedule | Continuing |
| ISL | TBD (normally Sept-April) | On Hold |
Looking Forward: Potential Resolutions
The path forward remains uncertain, but stakeholders are working toward solutions. “Once the Supreme Court passes the verdict on the AIFF constitution and the legal matter is resolved, only then can the federation sit down with the FSDL and ISL clubs to discuss the renewal of the MRA“.
The football community anxiously awaits resolution, as “If we do not complete the league by May 31, we lose the AFC window and our ranking could drop. These are not isolated concerns—many aspects are at stake“.
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FAQs
Why is the ISL 2025-26 season on hold?
The ISL season is on hold due to uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement renewal between AIFF and FSDL, which expires December 8, 2025, coupled with a Supreme Court directive preventing new negotiations until a constitutional case is resolved.
Which ISL clubs have suspended operations?
Three major clubs have taken drastic action: Odisha FC (first to suspend salary payments), Bengaluru FC (indefinitely suspended contracts), and Chennaiyin FC (complete operational suspension).
What is the Master Rights Agreement (MRA)?
The MRA is a 15-year agreement signed in 2010 between AIFF and FSDL, under which FSDL pays ₹50 crore annually to AIFF in exchange for broadcast, marketing, and operational rights for Indian football, including the ISL and national team.
Will there be a football league season in India for 2025-26?
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured that a “top-tier league will happen” for 2025-26, though it may start later than usual and the Super Cup will precede it.
When might the ISL crisis be resolved?
Resolution depends on the Supreme Court’s decision on the AIFF constitution case. Only after this legal matter is settled can negotiations resume between AIFF, FSDL, and ISL clubs for the MRA renewal.
