Indian Football in Limbo as ISL Clubs Halt Pre-Season Amid MRA Deadlock

Indian football is grappling with a period of deep uncertainty, as at least six Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have postponed their pre-season activities and are unlikely to participate in the upcoming Durand Cup 2025. 

The disruption comes in the wake of a deadlock between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its long-time commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA).

Signed in 2010, the MRA granted FSDL the commercial reins of the ISL in return for a ₹50 crore annual payment to the AIFF—an amount crucial to the federation’s daily operations and grassroots initiatives. The agreement is set to expire in December 2025.

A Supreme Court intervention has complicated matters further. Amid deliberations over the AIFF’s draft constitution, the apex court has instructed both parties to halt all discussions regarding the renewal of the MRA until a final verdict is delivered post its summer recess 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.

In a bold move earlier this year, FSDL proposed a structural overhaul—replacing the current guaranteed-payment model with a profit-and-loss sharing mechanism and introducing a new holding company to govern ISL operations. Under the new ownership plan, ISL clubs would hold 60% equity, FSDL 26%, and AIFF 14%.

However, AIFF officials remain unconvinced. “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 official stated.

Meanwhile, uncertainty has already begun to affect club operations. FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, and Hyderabad FC (or FC Delhi) have postponed pre-season plans and informed Durand Cup organisers that they may not participate in the 2025 edition. Other clubs are considering fielding reserve squads instead.

“Players have been told not to report on their previously scheduled dates. Everyone is in a wait-and-watch mode,” said a source close to the clubs. Another added, “ISL clubs have received no communication from the AIFF regarding the league or the season calendar.”

As Indian football stands at a critical juncture, over 5,000 people associated with the sport—players, staff, and administrators—await the Supreme Court’s verdict. The judgment is expected to shape not only the ISL’s future but also the governance and financial architecture of the sport in India.