The Indian Super League (ISL) has emerged from a period of uncertainty, with the 2025-26 season now set to commence on February 14, offering a Valentine's Day treat for football fans across the nation. This positive development follows a series of challenges and negotiations involving the Sports Ministry, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the ISL clubs.
A Timeline of the Impasse:
The problems stemmed from a deadlock concerning the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL), the AIFF's commercial partner. This disagreement jeopardized the smooth operation of the ISL. The initial contract between AIFF and FSDL, signed in 2010, was set to expire on December 8, 2025. This timeline meant that the tendering process for the upcoming season, which typically runs from September to March, needed to begin six months in advance, encompassing sponsorships and broadcasting rights.
As the situation remained unresolved, ISL clubs faced significant financial strain, with players reportedly not receiving payouts for several months. Sponsors, hesitant due to the uncertainty, began withdrawing from their commitments, further exacerbating the crisis. The Supreme Court intervened, urging the AIFF and FSDL to reach a resolution by August 28, 2025, to ensure the league's smooth functioning and the timely transfer of players before FIFA's August 31 deadline.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, represented by senior advocate Raghenth Basant, highlighted the players' precarious situation, emphasizing that their financial stability depended on the ISL taking place. Concerns were raised that if the ISL did not proceed, clubs would release players, leaving them without income.
Despite the Supreme Court's efforts and the urgent need for a solution, the impasse persisted, leading to delayed pre-season preparations, suspended training, and players seeking opportunities elsewhere. The AIFF set a deadline of January 1, 2026, for ISL clubs to confirm their participation in the delayed season. This request was crucial for the AIFF to communicate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding a one-time relaxation in the minimum requirement of 24 league matches.
Resolution and the Road Ahead:
Ultimately, a meeting convened by the Sports Ministry with the AIFF and representatives from all 14 ISL clubs on January 6, 2026, proved decisive. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the ISL would resume on February 14 and that all 14 teams would participate. Sources indicate that the government took a firm stance, compelling reluctant clubs to align. Clubs were informed that the league would proceed even with only five teams, with non-participating teams facing potential relegation.
The AIFF has committed ₹10.3 crore for conducting the ISL, covering 40% of the total cost. A central pool of ₹25 crore has been established for the ISL's execution, with the AIFF contributing ₹14 crore, including a portion to compensate for the absence of a commercial partner. The government has pledged to support production via Doordarshan. The league will adopt a single-leg home-and-away format, featuring a total of 91 matches, ensuring each team plays every other once. It was decided that promotion and relegation will be implemented as mandated by the Supreme Court.
