Uncertainty already loomed large over the staging of Indian Super League 2025-26. It happened formally on Friday as Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the owner ISL and commercial partner of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) sent an email to the ISL clubs stating that due to uncertainty over the renewal of MRA the ISL is being kept on hold. Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have been asked not to negotiate new terms of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with FSDL until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.
Seven ISL clubs — FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City, and Hyderabad FC/FC Delhi — have postponed their pre-season preparations and withdrawn from the forthcoming Durand Cup. Their decision stems from concerns over potential financial losses if the ISL 2025–26 season fails to begin on schedule.
The MRA, signed in 2010 for a 15-year term, is due to expire on 8th December 2025. The agreement includes a ₹50 crore annual guarantee from FSDL to the AIFF, a critical sum supporting the federation’s daily operations and football development initiatives.
The Supreme Court’s directive has stalled any forward movement on renewing or restructuring this agreement until after the court’s summer recess, which ends on 14 July 2025.
It is however believed that many clubs wanted to use force majeure to suspend or terminate contracts with the players and staff, which they could not do without official communication from AIFF or FSDL.
The FSDL email to the clubs has stated, ‘As you are aware, the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF is scheduled to expire on 8th December 2025 – approximately one-third of the way through a typical ISL season, which runs from September to April. Renewable discussion remains inconclusive at this time. In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025-26 ISL season.”
“Given this situation, we regret to inform you that we are currently not in a position to proceed with the 2025-26 ISL season and are placing it on hold until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure beyond the end of the current MRA term,” the email further added.
