Kolkata : Indian Super League, one of the top tier leagues in Indian Football is under clouds of uncertainty, with no clear future, and would not start unless there’s clarity on the Master’s Rights Agreement (MRA), as the organizers told several clubs. Even in 2025-26 official calender of All India Football Federation (AIFF), the 10 years old league found no mentions.
MRA is a legal contract that outlines the ownership and usage rights of a product in use, in this case, the ISL. Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) a joint venture between Reliance and Star manages the ISL and serves as the commercial partner of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). According to TOI, the FSDL signed a 15-year MRA with AIFF in 2010, under which it pays the federation either Rs 50 crore annually or 20% of total revenue, whichever is higher. This agreement is set to expire in December 2025.
“Since last week, senior FSDL officials have met club owners individually and informed them that the ISL won’t start unless the MRA’s future is clarified,” a source told TOI.
“It’s well known that the MRA can’t be finalised overnight. And with the Supreme Court expected to rule on the new AIFF Constitution soon, there’s widespread uncertainty,” the source added.
Even clubs have slowed down their work and operations like keeping major signings for hold, delaying start of pre season practice camps, and so on since meetings in Mumbai, due to uncertainty of ISL’s start.
There’s also chances of clashing with Durand Cup 2025 if clubs push forward their training sessions. Even few clubs have verbally told the organizers that they might opt out of India’s oldest tournament Durand Cup as it will be difficult for them to participate. Durand Cup 2025 will take place across 5 cities between 23 July – 23 August.
FSDL is keen to continue associating with Indian Football, and suggested new formation of new holding company that governs and operates ISL with participating clubs (60℅), FSDL (26℅), AIFF (14℅) as the shareholders.
“FSDL reached out to AIFF early this year and had set timelines, according to which, the signing of team sheet was to be completed by April 30“, the source added.
In April, the AIFF instead formed an eight-member task force to look into the MRA negotiations with its commercial partner, a move that did not find favour with some members. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia even told the executive committee to wait till the Supreme Court finalises the new constitution.
The Supreme Court later asked AIFF not to take any decision on the renewal of the MRA until the final order, which is expected after the Full Court working days resume from July 14.
“The draft constitution of the AIFF states that India’s top league should be managed by the AIFF. The draft also states that the seniormost league should be owned, operated and directly managed by AIFF. Its roles cannot be assigned to any other entity or organisation,” said the official.
One club official described the situation as grim. A couple of others though said FSDL could eventually seek a six-month extension and complete the season, providing stakeholders with enough time to prepare for future challenges.
“Everything will depend on the Supreme Court order,” said a club CEO. “Once the AIFF Constitution is finalised, we have to check the status of the top-tier league. There is also a possibility of elections happening in the next few months, so a lot can change. As clubs, an important stakeholder, it’s important that we get at least a year to handle the unexpected changes.”
The ISL kicked off on Oct 12, 2014 and was recognised as India’s top tier domestic league by FIFA and AFC in 2019. Last year Mohun Bagan Super Giants were crowned champion. However, this year the future is still under dark clouds.
