FSDL’s intimation to ISL club owners: Uncertainty over ISL this season after Supreme Court stay-order on MRA renewal!
Uncertainty looms large over the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2025-26 season after several clubs were told by organizers of Indian football’s top-tier league that the next edition will not kick off unless there’s clarity on the Master Rights Agreement (MRA). Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a joint venture between Reliance and Star which runs the league, are commercial partners of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), with whom they signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. According to the agreement, FSDL pays AIFF an annual fee of Rs 50 crore or 20% of the total revenue, whichever is more. According to TOI, the FSDL executives met ISL club owners last week and gave a clear indication that the ISL for 2025-26 is going to be a doubtful starter unless the future of MRA becomes clear! At the same time, it is known about the Supreme Court’s verdict that no final agreement on the MRA can be initiated unless the Supreme Court issues its final judgment on the issue of the transformation in the AIFF constitution and its existing body. As a part of its reflection, the clubs have reportedly started going slow with their operations on the recruitment of new footballers, and involvement in the transfers market. Even, it is learned that the clubs have started redrawing strategies. Considering the AIFF’s tentative calendar for 2025-26, ISL is scheduled to kick off on 14th September. It is also learned that FSDL though willing to continue its association with AIFF, is unlikely to agree to the previous cash deal. Rather their offer is 60 percent to the participating clubs, 26 percent to FSDL, and 14 percent to the AIFF.
Messi still unfit in training; the Coach expects him to be fit before the Porto match
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Lionel Messi would be fit to face Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday, despite showing signs of discomfort in training. A video emerged of Messi touching his left leg during the session on Wednesday, but Mascherano confirmed the veteran forward was ready for Miami’s second Group A match in Atlanta. “On the trip from Miami to Atlanta I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit, he trained, he completed the whole session,” Mascherano told reporters. “He was touching his leg, sometimes people touch themselves, but there’s no problem, he’s fit and obviously he will play tomorrow.” The coach said Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba was available after missing the opening 0-0 draw against Al Ahly due to injury. “We’ll evaluate what’s best for us if he starts or not,” said the coach. “Actually, I already know but I won’t tell you.” Mascherano meanwhile said retaining possession would be the key against Portugal’s Porto, regular Champions League participants who are likely to provide the MLS team with a stern test. “We have players who feel much more comfortable when they’re in possession, dominating, and having control of the game through the ball,” said the Argentine. “Of course, we’re facing a team that also is used to doing that, who are a high-level side. “But on the pitch, we’re 11 against 11, we’ll try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses, and try to have a great game to get a good result.” Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, a member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning side and one of Messi’s former Barcelona team-mates admitted his team would be up against it at the Mercedes-Benz stadium.
