ISL on Brink: AIFF Seeks SC Guidance Amid Commercial Partner Crisis
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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to approach the Supreme Court for guidance on conducting the Indian Super League (ISL) after a commercial partner failed to materialize. With the current agreement expiring on December 8, 2025, the ISL season, usually starting in September, is in jeopardy. Key stakeholders, including champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have paused operations as the league's future remains uncertain. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) guidelines mandate a minimum of 24 matches per team, including cup competitions, to qualify for continental competitions. Prospective bidders, including Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and an international consortium, have expressed concerns about the league's profitability, citing a potential seven to 10-year loss. They are willing to bear the loss but want greater say in the governing council and changes to the AIFF constitution. The RFP has one slot in the governing council for the commercial partner, but bidders argue that this should be changed, citing the example of the Premier League. They also want a clause allowing for expenditure above ₹5 crore without AIFF approval. A potential solution could be to emulate the USA's top league, which has been closed since inception and has seen consistent success. However, introducing promotion and relegation now could lead to the ISL's demise, as most clubs lower in the league pyramid cannot meet ISL's licensing requirements. The bid evaluation committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge L. Nageswara Rao, is expected to submit its report this week. AIFF's next move will depend on the court's guidance, which could determine the fate of the ISL season.
