Скачать или смотреть THE END OF INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE?

The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s premier football competition since 2014, faces an uncertain future as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) excluded it from the 2025–26 competition calendar, raising concerns about its continuity. The decision stems from unresolved issues surrounding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the ISL’s commercial partner and organizer. The MRA, a 15-year contract signed in 2010, grants FSDL rights to broadcast, manage, and commercialize Indian football, including the ISL and national team, in exchange for an annual payment of ₹50 crore or 20% of total revenue, whichever is higher. Set to expire in December 2025, the MRA’s renewal remains stalled, prompting FSDL to inform ISL clubs that the 2025–26 season, originally slated for September 14, will not proceed without clarity on the agreement.

The AIFF’s 2025–26 calendar includes other tournaments like the Durand Cup (July 15–August 23), Super Cup (September 1–20), I-League (October 19), and Indian Women’s League (October 25), but the ISL’s omission has sparked widespread speculation. An AIFF source clarified that the ISL’s schedule, managed by FSDL, was not submitted, explaining its absence from the calendar. However, the lack of communication from FSDL and ongoing legal complexities exacerbate the uncertainty. In April 2025, the Supreme Court ordered the AIFF and FSDL to halt MRA negotiations until a verdict on the AIFF’s new constitution, expected after July 14, 2025, is delivered. The draft constitution reportedly mandates that the top-tier league be directly owned and operated by the AIFF, potentially disrupting the current MRA framework and FSDL’s role.

FSDL has proposed a restructured governance model, suggesting a new holding company to operate the ISL, with 60% ownership by clubs, 26% by FSDL, and 14% by the AIFF, mirroring European leagues like the Premier League. However, the AIFF’s formation of an eight-member task force in April to address MRA negotiations has yielded no resolution, drawing criticism from stakeholders, including former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia. The deadlock has disrupted ISL clubs, with many pausing player signings, delaying pre-season training, and reconsidering participation in the Durand Cup. The uncertainty also threatens the broader Indian football ecosystem, as FSDL’s funding supports over 2,100 matches across 18 national tournaments, youth leagues, and grassroots initiatives.

The ISL, contested by 14 clubs with a 26-round regular season and playoffs, has been India’s top-tier league since 2019, offering AFC Champions League qualification. Its potential absence could elevate the I-League’s status and impact thousands of jobs, from coaches to media teams. With the Supreme Court’s ruling pending, the AIFF and FSDL face pressure to resolve the crisis swiftly to salvage the 2025–26 season and maintain Indian football’s credibility.

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