Why is ISL on Hold for next Season? What is the issue between AIFF and FSDL? Explained

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The 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been officially put on hold. The uncertainty was growing, and now the apex body of the professional league has communicated to the clubs about their decision.

The decision comes amid the ongoing uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league's organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This development casts significant doubt on the immediate future of India's top-tier football competition, which has become a major fixture in the country's sporting calendar since its inception in 2014.

Why Is the ISL on Hold?

The current MRA, a 15-year agreement signed in 2010, is set to expire on December 8, 2025, which is roughly one-third into a typical ISL season that usually runs from September to April.

FSDL has communicated to all ISL clubs that, without a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, it is unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025-26 season.

The Supreme Court has directed the AIFF not to negotiate new terms for the MRA until a final judgment is delivered in an ongoing case regarding the AIFF's draft constitution, further complicating the situation.

Under the existing MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF ₹50 crore annually in exchange for broadcast rights and the commercial management of Indian football, including the national team. There have been discussions about potentially creating a new holding company for the ISL, with clubs, FSDL, and AIFF as shareholders, but no agreement has been reached.

"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 to the clubs.

Impact on Indian Football

The AIFF had already dropped ISL from its 2025-26 calendar, signaling early doubts about the season's viability. Several ISL clubs have reportedly delayed pre-season preparations and stalled transfer activity as a result of the uncertainty. The decision has also led to seven ISL teams pulling out of the Durand Cup, which is scheduled to begin on July 23.

The future of the league remains in limbo until a resolution is reached regarding the MRA and the AIFF's legal situation.