FSDL After Reaching Understanding With AIFF: 'Our Commitment To Indian Football Against Our Own Commercial Interest'

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 20:17 IST

All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited submit a joint resolution to the Supreme Court for a transparent Indian Super League tender.

ISL Trophy

The prolonged deadlock in Indian football may finally see a breakthrough, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) jointly submitting a resolution to the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The proposal outlines a transparent tender process to select a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL), with the process scheduled to conclude by October 15, 2025. If approved, this would allow the new league season to commence in December, providing much-needed certainty to clubs, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans.

People close to the development said, “Our commitment to Indian football against our own commercial interest, FSDL is enabling AIFF to do this in the larger good of the sport and footballers by giving an NOC and relinquishing its Right of First Negotiation and Matching Right."

What Is The AIFF-FSDL Joint Submission?

The decision follows discussions between AIFF and FSDL earlier in the week, in line with directives issued by the Supreme Court, which is also overseeing the matter of AIFF’s new constitution. In their joint submission, the AIFF and FSDL described the resolution as being in the larger public interest and crucial for the promotion of football in India. The AIFF committed to conducting an open, competitive tender, aligned with global best practices and compliant with the National Sports Development Code of 2011, the new National Sports Governance Act 2025, the AIFF constitution, and FIFA/AFC regulations. An independent professional firm, such as one of the Big Four auditors or an equivalent body, may be tasked with overseeing the process to ensure transparency.

The agreement comes at a critical moment for Indian football. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation had recently warned of a possible suspension of India from international football if the AIFF failed to adopt a revised constitution by October 30. Such a suspension would prevent national teams and clubs from competing in international competitions, a scenario the AIFF is keen to avoid.

FSDL, which has been the commercial partner of AIFF under a 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) signed in 2010, has also made concessions. It agreed to waive its Right of First Negotiation and Right to Match clauses and will issue a No Objection Certificate to facilitate the new tender process. Furthermore, FSDL confirmed it has already paid its July-September quarterly fee of ₹12.5 crore and is prepared to advance the final tranche if required.

To avoid disruption to the football calendar, both AIFF and FSDL agreed that the 2025-26 season could begin with the Super Cup or another domestic tournament directly managed by the federation. This move ensures players and clubs remain competitively active until the ISL kicks off, maintaining momentum and stability in Indian football’s ecosystem.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 20:15 IST

News sports FSDL After Reaching Understanding With AIFF: 'Our Commitment To Indian Football Against Our Own Commercial Interest'

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