The Supreme Court on Monday directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ensure that the 2025–26 football season commences on time with the Super Cup and other domestic competitions under its control.
A Bench of Justices PS Narsima and Joymalya Bagchi also directed the AIFF to conduct an open, competitive, and transparent tender process for selecting a commercial partner to run the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Court passed the order after AIFF and its long-term commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), presented a joint resolution for the upcoming season.
The two entities faced uncertainty due to an earlier embargo from the Court, which prevented AIFF from entering fresh binding contracts until its new constitution was finalised. As a result, the ISL, India’s top-tier league, lacked clarity on its future.
The Court was informed that both sides agreed the 2025–26 season would begin with the Super Cup, a domestic tournament controlled by AIFF. This measure was intended to keep players and clubs active while the ISL process continued.
The ISL rights themselves will now be put out to tender by October 15, 2025, in line with FIFA and AFC regulations, the National Sports Code, and the new National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
The Bench recorded that FSDL had waived its contractual rights under the existing master rights agreement, including first negotiation and matching rights, and had issued a no-objection certificate allowing AIFF to bring in a new partner. FSDL also confirmed it had cleared its financial dues and would advance payments if needed to support AIFF in running the season.
Explaining why these directions were necessary, the Court said,
“We direct AIFF to take such measures as may be necessary for the timely commencement of the football calendar and to maintain competitive continuity for the 2025–2026 season with respect to Super Cup and other competitions under its control.”
On the transparency required for ISL rights, the Court highlighted its expectation of global best practices.
“The AIFF shall also issue necessary tenders inviting bids for an open, competitive, and transparent process for selection of its commercial partner to conduct the Indian Super League,”the order stated.
The Bench noted the assurances from both AIFF and FSDL and acknowledged the rare cooperation between the two as a milestone for Indian football.
“We have no hesitation in recording that their collaborative effort is a significant step in the evolution of Indian football. This shared commitment will go a long way in institutionalizing domestic, national, and international events.”
