Indian football is facing its biggest crisis in years. The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season is yet to start, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) risks a FIFA suspension. With the Supreme Court stepping into the matter, the country’s football future hangs in the balance.
The new ISL season has not started even though most leagues across Europe and Asia are underway. The delay comes from a dispute between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the organisers of ISL, and AIFF.
Their contract ended last season. As part of the deal, FSDL paid AIFF ₹50 crore every year to manage properties like the national team and ISL. Now, no new contract has been agreed. Clubs have pushed the issue to the Supreme Court, which has asked both parties to present a solution by August 28.
If no agreement is reached, the ISL season may not be played at all. At best, fans could see a shortened season in the form of a knockout cup or mini-tournament.
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The bigger danger is India losing its place in Asian competitions. AFC rules require a full league season for teams to qualify for its tournaments. If the ISL is cancelled, Indian clubs will lose the chance to play in AFC competitions in the 2026-27 season.
This would be a huge setback for clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC, who have been trying to make a mark at the Asian level.
The crisis deepens because the Supreme Court has now stepped into football administration. FIFA strictly bans any outside interference in national federations. This means if the Court continues to oversee ISL matters, AIFF risks a FIFA suspension.
This won’t be the first time. In 2022, FIFA banned AIFF briefly for the same reason. If repeated, it could block India from hosting or qualifying for major tournaments.
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AIFF tried to calm fears by saying talks were moving in the right direction. In a statement, AIFF said:
"ISL and FSDL approached the discussions in a constructive and positive spirit and expressed confidence in arriving at a mutually agreed proposal that will ensure the continued development and progress of football in India."
The joint proposal will be submitted to the Supreme Court on August 28. Until then, the matter stays in the Court’s hands.
How these disputes affect the growth of Indian football is the real worry. India faces the risk of losing steam due to internal administration conflict, while Asian countries are investing more in football.
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Players may lose competitive matches, clubs could lose sponsors, and fans may lose interest. If the ISL season collapses, it could undo years of progress in making football a mainstream sport in India.
