The meeting on Monday between the officials from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partners aimed at solving issues in India’s domestic football did not achieve significant progress.
Following the discussions, the AIFF released a statement indicating both sides were hopeful about reaching a mutually agreeable solution. However, they did not provide specifics on discussions regarding the start dates for the Indian Super League (ISL) or the Super Cup.
This matter is currently in legal proceedings. The Supreme Court, which took up the issue last Friday, directed the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the commercial partners and ISL organizers, to engage in talks and present a resolution by August 28, when the court will review the case again.
In their statement, the AIFF highlighted that both parties approached the talks with a positive mindset. They assured progress toward a proposal that would benefit the growth of football in India. The joint proposal will be submitted to the Supreme Court on the upcoming date, with no further comments from either side while legal proceedings continue.
On August 18, the Supreme Court agreed to address the dispute involving AIFF and FSDL concerning the future of 11 ISL clubs. These clubs are facing the risk of closure if the ongoing stalemate regarding their contracts is not resolved swiftly.
The situation worsened when FSDL announced on July 11 that the 2025-26 ISL season was “on hold,” leading at least three clubs to stop their first-team operations or delay payments to players and staff. The clubs warned that this deadlock would hinder India’s preparations for international matches, putting the national team at a disadvantage in upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments.
They expressed concern that without an active ISL season, they would struggle to participate in necessary competitive matches, which could result in Indian clubs being barred from Asian Football Confederation (AFC) events.
Earlier this year, on April 30, the Supreme Court also postponed a decision concerning the approval of the AIFF’s draft constitution prepared by a former judge, L Nageswara Rao.
