ISL 2025-26 Season Likely To Be Delayed, Not Cancelled: AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey Assures Stakeholders

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ISL 2025-26: In a significant update for Indian football fans and clubs alike, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey has confirmed that the Indian Super League (ISL) will take place in the 2025-26 season, though it may face a delay.

His assurance comes as a much-needed relief for thousands involved in the sport, who have been facing uncertainty following recent legal and contractual hurdles.

Speaking to The Times of India, Chaubey clarified that the ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court surrounding the AIFF constitution have caused a temporary halt. However, he stressed that the league's cancellation is not on the table.

"If the league doesn't take place, not only footballers but the people who are associated with football will be affected. Thousands of people will be affected. So, we will put our best effort to ensure that the league happens," said Chaubey.

Earlier this month, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the body responsible for organizing the ISL, informed the AIFF and clubs that the upcoming season was being put "on hold." This move came in response to a Supreme Court directive issued two months ago, which barred AIFF and FSDL from entering any new agreements until the court delivers a verdict on the federation's constitutional matters.

The Master Rights Agreement (MRA), signed between FSDL and the AIFF in 2010, is set to expire on December 8, 2025. Given that the ISL season usually runs from September to April, this expiration falls right in the middle of the league calendar, adding to the uncertainty.

Chaubey stated that the AIFF will wait for the court's ruling and then hold discussions with all key stakeholders. "As and when the court's decision comes, the AIFF will take a call, sit with all the stakeholders and ensure how smoothly these tournaments, including the Indian Super League, can be conducted," he said.

Meanwhile, Chaubey also mentioned that the announcement of India's next men's football coach will be made within 10 days, with Stephen Constantine, Stefan Tarkovic, and Khalid Jamil in contention.