Sports Minister To Meet AIFF, Stakeholders On Dec 3 To Address Future Of Football In Nation Amid Crisis

Last Updated:December 01, 2025, 22:22 IST

Six meetings have been scheduled at the Sports Authority of India on Wednesday, including separate discussions with ISL clubs, I-League clubs, and FSDL.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya (PTI)

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to meet representatives from various stakeholders involved in Indian football on December 3. This includes the national federation, former commercial partners, and clubs, to address the ongoing crisis.

The crisis began when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) failed to secure a new commercial partner for domestic leagues, including the Indian Super League (ISL).

“The Supreme Court has directed the ministry to intervene and find a solution. This meeting is in compliance with that directive. It will be a day-long series of discussions with representatives from Indian football. Stakeholders can express their concerns, and the minister will provide his suggestions," a ministry source told PTI on Monday.

Indian domestic football entered turmoil after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the entity managing the ISL, informed the AIFF in July that it would pause the top-tier league due to uncertainty over renewing the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) which ends on December 8.

Despite various issues, a positive development occurred with the Supreme Court approving the new AIFF constitution drafted by former apex court judge L Nageswara Rao.

It is also noted that the Supreme Court acknowledged some critical points raised by Rao in his report. The court wants the government to assist stakeholders in resolving the deadlock by ensuring adherence to global practices as outlined by FIFA Statutes.

“The presence of all relevant stakeholders – ISL Clubs, Prospective Commercial Partners, FSDL, Broadcasters & OTT Platforms, I-League & Lower Division Clubs, etc. – is essential for effective deliberation," the ministry stated in a letter to the AIFF.

“… AIFF is requested to inform the concerned stakeholders about the meeting and make necessary arrangements for their participation as per the attached schedule.

“It is also requested that representatives from the Transaction Advisor, KPMG India Services LLP, attend the meetings to provide necessary clarifications," the ministry added.

Six meetings have been scheduled at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Wednesday, including separate discussions with ISL clubs, I-League clubs, and FSDL.

A few weeks ago, the minister met with I-League representatives, urging all stakeholders to find an amicable solution to the crisis.

During that meeting, the minister listened to their grievances and called for “constructive dialogue" among all stakeholders to find a way forward.

The I-League clubs had requested a common league partner to ensure unified management of the top-tier ISL and the two divisions of the I-League.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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