'Should the AIFF choose not to act...': ISL teams unite in call for urgent Supreme Court move over league uncertainty

The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) is in trouble, and most of the clubs are now asking the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to take the matter to the Supreme Court. According to a PTI report, 11 ISL clubs have written to the AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, urging him to approach the Supreme Court, or they will do it themselves.

The report states that only Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter, which was sent to the AIFF on Friday, August 8. The ISL 2025-26 season is currently on hold due to a dispute between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which is owned by Reliance Industries and was formed to operate the Indian football league.

The AIFF and FSDL have an agreement that runs until December 2025. However, both parties have failed to renew the Master Rights Agreement (MRA). Talks between both parties have stopped because the Supreme Court has asked the AIFF not to take big decisions until it gives its final order on a case related to the federation’s constitution.

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ISL clubs urge AIFF to approach Supreme Court

The clubs said they were surprised that the AIFF had not already told the court about the situation, especially because it affects the whole football system in the country. They also warned that if this continues, it could cause “irreversible damage” to Indian football. Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC have stopped first-team activities, and Bengaluru FC has paused salaries for players and coaching staff, including Indian legend Sunil Chhetri.

“We respectfully urge the AIFF, in its capacity as the statutory regulator of football in India and the principal party to the proceedings, to urgently bring the current situation to the attention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. This may be done by mentioning the matter for urgent listing and judgment and apprising the Hon’ble Court of the current situation to ensure that the ISL and associated competitions may proceed,” the letter read.

“We believe such a step is both legally permissible and in the interest of safeguarding Indian football, the AIFF’s own regulatory mandate, and the welfare of all stakeholders involved. This legal uncertainty and administrative vacuum are now threatening to cause irreversible damage to the Indian football ecosystem. Clubs are unable to plan or invest, commercial contracts are on hold, and the livelihoods of thousands of players, staff, support personnel, and stakeholders are at immediate risk.”

“Moreover, this situation could seriously derail the momentum of football development in the country. We would be happy to support the AIFF legally and work jointly towards this, in a manner that protects the interests of Indian football and all its constituents. it is in the best interest of all concerned that the AIFF, as the main party and regulator, takes immediate initiative in this regard.”

“Based on legal advice, the ISL clubs are preparing to independently approach the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for relief. However, given that the clubs are not formal parties to the current proceedings, this may not be the most efficient or effective route to resolve the situation. Should the AIFF choose not to act, we reiterate that the ISL clubs will have no option but to seek judicial recourse independently, to protect the integrity of the League and the interests of the sport.”

The upcoming ISL season, originally set to take place from September to April, was put on hold by FSDL in July. With no agreement reached so far, the resumption date for the league remains uncertain.