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8mo ago

ISL Stalemate Deepens as Players, Clubs Seek Court Relief, AIFF Targets January–May Restart

AIFF has turned to the Supreme Court for direction to enable a compressed January–May restart following a failed rights tender.

The wait continues for the new season seven months after Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the ISL,
Mohun Bagan ISL Champions
Image
Indian football players have also decided to petition the apex court to find ways to get the 2025-26 league started. (FSDL / ISL)

Overview

  • The open tender for a new ISL commercial partner drew no bids, leaving the 2025–26 season unscheduled and several clubs halting first‑team operations and salary payments under force majeure.
  • AIFF told club CEOs it could stage roughly 180 matches between January and May 2026, including multi‑city matchdays, if the Supreme Court provides direction by late November.
  • ISL players and some club CEOs plan to petition the Supreme Court to compel a restart of the league after the tender failure and prolonged uncertainty.
  • FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urged FIFA and the AFC to intervene, criticising AIFF’s response and warning that hundreds of players face lost income, job insecurity and mounting pressure.
  • Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met I‑League representatives and asked SAI to engage stakeholders, as AIFF set a November 24 Special General Body Meeting to vote on the court‑mandated ‘dual‑post’ clause.