In a major turn that could revive hopes for the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, a majority of clubs from India’s top-flight football competition have agreed to file a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a resolution to the ongoing stalemate over the league’s future.
The ISL, which has been the premier football league in the country since its inception in 2014, is facing an uncertain season for the first time in over a decade. The impasse follows the failure of the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) recent bidding process, managed by KPMG, to attract a new commercial partner to sustain the competition.
The AIFF’s existing contract with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which has operated the league since its launch, is set to expire in December 2025. However, the lack of a new investor or operational partner beyond that date has raised serious concerns about the league’s continuity.
According to sources, club CEOs met AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey on Wednesday to discuss possible ways to safeguard the tournament’s future. The meeting reportedly ended with a consensus among the majority of clubs to take the matter to the Supreme Court, in hopes of expediting a legal and administrative solution.
“This is not just about business; it’s about the future of Indian football,” said a senior club executive familiar with the discussions. “All stakeholders want clarity so that players, fans, and clubs can prepare for the upcoming season.”
The clubs’ decision comes amid growing unrest within the football community. Several player representatives have expressed their backing for the initiative, with some considering independent petitions to support the AIFF’s efforts in resolving the crisis.
For players and clubs alike, the uncertainty has cast doubts over contract renewals, preseason planning, and player transfers. The ISL has been instrumental in improving the visibility of Indian football, bringing international players and professional management to the domestic scene.
AIFF officials have maintained that talks with potential partners are ongoing, but time is running out with the current deal’s expiration looming. The court petition could now provide a legal framework to push for a quicker resolution and prevent disruption to the country’s premier football competition.
If accepted, the case could set a precedent for how sports leagues in India handle governance and commercial disputes, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved in the management of national competitions.
