 "Indian Super League case to be heard by Supreme Court on Friday: Report")
In a major breakthrough for stakeholders seeking clarity on the Indian Super League , the Supreme Court of India reportedly agreed to hear their pleas on 22 August (Friday). The matter was brought before a bench led by Justice PS Narasimha, following a mention by amicus curiae and senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan on Monday.
The development comes after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) reportedly reversed its stance, informing parties that it would not bring up the case of All India Football Federation vs Rahul Mehra and Others in the Supreme Court on Monday. In response, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, the amicus curiae, stated he would raise the issue himself, as per the Mint, resulting in the hearing being scheduled for Friday.
Supreme Court’s intervention on ISL crucial
The issue has become critical as the Master Rights Agreement, which was signed 15 years ago between the AIFF and FSDL, is set to expire in December. As FSDL is the entity that runs the league, the contract’s expiry could jeopardise the ISL’s future.
The renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and FSDL is on hold due to the court’s evaluation of the AIFF’s constitutional legitimacy. In April, the court prohibited the AIFF from entering new commercial agreements, casting significant uncertainty over the upcoming season.
While the agreement made ISL what it is today, its potential expiry has made the league’s future uncertain, triggering clubs to stop operations and freeze salaries.
The upcoming intervention from the Supreme Court could prove to be the crucial moment in determining the future of the Indian Super League.
Earlier, the AIFF had promised that it will bring the ISL imapssed in front of the SC but backed out at the last moment.
“A discussion was held between the legal representatives of the All-India Football Federation and the Indian Super League clubs on Thursday. It has been agreed by all parties that the concerns of the ISL clubs pertaining to the delay in the commencement of the 2025-26 ISL season, and the hardship being felt by the players and other stakeholders will be conveyed to the Supreme Court next week,” the AIFF said in a statement last week.
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