This suspension casts doubt on the immediate future of India’s top-flight football league, which has grown in popularity since its inception. "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
Representational image (Pic: AFP)
The Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday officially announced that the 2025–26 season has been placed 'on hold' due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league's organisers and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Traditionally held between September and April, the ISL would have already been in full swing by the time the current MRA expires on December 8. The existing agreement, signed between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the entity responsible for organising the league, and the AIFF, is set to conclude mid-season, creating complications around the league’s scheduling, operations, and broadcast rights.
FSDL has officially communicated that ISL 25-26 is on hold. #ISL pic.twitter.com/psMG6IQTZ5
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This suspension casts doubt on the immediate future of India’s top-flight football league, which has grown in popularity since its inception. "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 end of current MRA term. We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly," FSDL said in a letter addressed to all the ISL clubs..
Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the AIFF has been asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with (FSDL), the apex governing body's commercial partner running the ISL, until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.
The FSDL said in the letter, "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.
"While discussions between FSDL and AIFF on the potential renewal of the MRA were initiated several months ago, they remain inconclusive at this time. In this backdrop, we believe it is important for Clubs to be informed of the evolving situation. This communication is being issued by FSDL on a bona-fide basis and in the interest of transparency, to enable all Clubs to plan appropriately for any potential contingencies."
The FSDL also assured the clubs that it is "monitoring developments closely" and will continue to keep them informed "in a timely and transparent manner.".
FSDL is also the commercial partner of AIFF, and they signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. According to the MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF RS 50 crore annually, and in turn get the rights to broadcast, manage and commercialise Indian football, which also includes the national team.
The FSDL had earlier told the ISL club owners verbally that the next edition would not start until there was clarity on the MRA.
(With PTI inputs)
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