Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed worry and seeks clarity on the ongoing impasse of Indian Super League. AIFF is expected to reply to the AFC after today’s Supreme Court verdicts.
Datuk Seri Windsor John, the AFC general secretary, wrote to AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan demanding clarity on the matter following ‘absence of official communication’ from the AIFF and having to follow the case through media reports.
In the letter to the AIFF, the continental body described the halt as “deeply concerning” and warned of the wider risks it poses to Indian football.
‘The indefinite suspension of India’s top-tier league is deeply concerning, given its disruption to clubs’ operations, delayed salaries, and the wider threat it poses to the stability of domestic and continental football. This also leads to the question of whether the AIFF will lose the authority to issue club licences under the current circumstances.” the letter stated.
The AFC has asked the AIFF to submit a factual report on several key areas. This includes the progress of commercial negotiations with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the timeline of the pending Supreme Court ruling, and the direct impact on clubs, players, and officials.
The governing body also requested concrete details on measures being taken to resume the league and safeguard stability. AIFF, however, has sought more time and promised to respond after the next Supreme Court hearing on Thursday.
At the centre of the crisis lies the unresolved renewal of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with FSDL, which expires on December 8. Due to the deadlock, FSDL has kept the ISL season on hold “until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure.”
