Supreme Court Clears the Way for Indian Football Season 2025-26.


01-September-2025 Special Leave Petition >> Civil & Consumer Law  

The Supreme Court in All India Federation Vs Rahul Mehra & Others has intervened once more to guarantee smooth Indian football for the coming season of 2025-26. The Court, which had previously overseen reform in the All India Football Federation (AIFF), deliberated on proposals put before it concerning the organization of football leagues, such as the Indian Super League (ISL).

The issue was brought up again after the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, had been passed and introduced new regulations into sports governance. With uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Act and an embargo on AIFF signing binding agreements, the ISL along with other leagues were stuck in limbo. The AIFF's historical commercial deal with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), under the Master Rights Agreement of 2010, expires in December 2025, adding to the complexity of preparations.

 
 

In order to overcome the stalemate, the Court had previously instructed AIFF and FSDL to negotiate and reach a decision. The two then subsequently informed the Court that positive discussions were held during the latter part of August 2025. This resulted in a collective proposal with a proposed road map for the 2025-26 season.

Points of the Agreement:

  • The football season will start with the Super Cup, which is a domestic tournament overseen directly by AIFF. This will keep players and clubs active while final preparations for the league are completed.
  • The AIFF will have an open and transparent bidding process in order to find a new commercial partner for the management of the ISL. The process shall be according to global best practices and in conformity with the National Sports Governance Act, AIFF Constitution, and FIFA/AFC.
  • The tendering process shall be finalized by 15 October 2025, keeping things clear for clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters.
  • The tender will be monitored by Justice L. Nageswara Rao, a former Supreme Court judge, who has been tasked with ensuring credibility and fairness. He can also employ professionals to help with the process.
  • The new league season can start by December 2025, subject to approval by the AFC.
  • FSDL, the present holder of commercial rights, has promised to relinquish its contractual rights to negotiate first or match new offers under the present agreement. It also promised to issue a No Objection Certificate to AIFF for the new tendering process.
  • In order to avoid financial disruption, FSDL assured that it has already settled its third-quarter dues of Rs. 12.5 crores for July–September 2025 and promised to release the October–December installment in advance if required.

Court's Observations:

The Court had appreciated the co-operation between AIFF and FSDL, terming it a "giant leap in the growth of Indian football." The Court noted that the consensus prevents any disruption to the football system and brings transparency and certainty to all stakeholders. AIFF and FSDL assured the Court that all efforts would be made to ensure timely start and continuity of the football calendar.

On the general issue of AIFF's draft constitution, the Court opined it is generally aligned with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, although the Act has not yet been notified. Some concerns on the issue of autonomy were presented by counsels, and the Court indicated it would entertain these submissions before deciding on the AIFF constitution.

With the structure in place, the AIFF has been ordered to initiate steps for the timely commencement of the 2025-26 football season. The collective effort, supported by the Supreme Court, intends to infuse stability, professionalism, and transparency into Indian football governance while safeguarding the future of domestic and international competitions in the country.