 "AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey. AFP")
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled a meeting for Thursday in New Delhi, where the board will meet with CEOs of eight Indian Super League clubs to address the prevailing issues related to the league.
AIFF to hold a meeting with ISL clubs’ CEOs
“AIFF officials will meet with CEOs from eight Indian Super League clubs, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in New Delhi, to discuss issues regarding #IndianFootball,” the federation posted on social media.
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The meeting has been called after the league’s organiser, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), announced in July that the 2025-26 season had been placed “on hold” due to unresolved contractual issues. Following the announcement, AIFF came up with an optimistic message, stating that it will take all the necessary steps to ensure the continuity of the Indian Super League.
“If the league doesn’t take place, it is not only footballers but the people who are associated with football that will be affected. It’s thousands of people who will be affected. So, we will put our best effort to ensure that the league happens,” AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey had said.
The current agreement between FSDL and AIFF, which brings the league’s structure operations and commercial framework under the purview, is set to expire on December 8. As the league season typically starts in September and lasts till April, the situation has become complex with broadcasters needing clarity to plan logistics and commercial activations.
In a letter to the AIFF, the clubs expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of communication from both the federation and FSDL. The communication gap has made the future uncertain.
“This has impacted not just short-term decisions but is now beginning to affect the structural backbone of our institutions,” the letter read.
The letter was acknowledged by Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC and Punjab FC. The Kolkata-based clubs - Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting - along with Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC, did not sign the letter.
As the Supreme Court’s ruling is due, Thursday’s meeting can prove to be crucial as an urgent measure is needed to ensure the continuation of the ISL in the upcoming season.