What Is the AIFF's Stance on MRA Negotiations, According to Bhaichung Bhutia?
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Synopsis
Bhaichung Bhutia raises crucial concerns about the AIFF's clarity on the Master Rights Agreement negotiations, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and focus on the future of Indian football as the ISL faces uncertainty.
Key Takeaways
- Bhaichung Bhutia emphasizes the importance of clarity in negotiations.
- The ISL's future is uncertain due to the expiring MRA.
- AIFF’s failure to include the ISL in the competition calendar raises concerns.
- Administrative delays are exacerbated by the pending Supreme Court verdict.
- Investigations into under-the-table deals are necessary for transparency.
Kolkata, June 20 (NationPress) Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia expressed concerns about the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025, especially as the league's future hangs in the balance due to the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) set to expire in December.
On Thursday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) released its competition calendar for 2025-26 but notably excluded the country’s premier football league. This has led to widespread speculation among clubs, players, and fans about the league's future.
An AIFF source revealed to IANS that the ISL was not featured in the federation’s calendar because its organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), have yet to submit a schedule.
The uncertainty arises from the impending expiration of the MRA between the AIFF and the Reliance-Star joint venture that operates the ISL, with no renewal or concrete resolution reached from discussions initiated earlier this year.
“There were claims suggesting I had halted the deal between AIFF and FSDL, which I found amusing. During our meeting, I inquired about their proposed deal with FSDL, but they had no answer; they merely snacked and listened to the offer without making one of their own,” commented Bhaichung at a press conference.
“Currently, the court has mandated that any deal will proceed only after the Supreme Court rules on the AIFF constitution. All stakeholders, from the Federation to FSDL and ISL and I-League clubs, need to focus on the progress of Indian football,” he added.
In April, the AIFF's Executive Committee established an eight-member task force to investigate the future of the MRA.
The situation is further complicated by the pending Supreme Court ruling on the revised AIFF Constitution, which has resulted in additional administrative delays.
“If the ISL not occurring is viewed as a disaster, I wonder if the last one-and-a-half years have not been disastrous as well? We need a new professional president who could negotiate a favorable deal for Indian football. While delays are not ideal, they might be better than hastily entering agreements,” he further stated.
Bhaichung also raised concerns about a deal he believes occurred 'under the table,' which led to India retracting its bid to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027. He called for an investigation into this meeting.
“The AIFF has faced significant negative attention under Kalyan Chaubey, damaging its reputation. We've submitted a bid for the 2031 Asian Cup. Initially, we aimed to host the 2027 Asian Cup, but after his trip to Saudi Arabia, it appears an undisclosed agreement was made, resulting in Saudi Arabia hosting the 2027 edition. He returned only to announce that Saudi Arabia will host the Santosh Trophy. This matter needs thorough investigation,” Bhaichung concluded.
Point of View
I affirm that the AIFF must prioritize transparency and communication in its dealings, ensuring that all stakeholders in Indian football are informed and engaged. The future of the ISL is critical not just for the league but for the growth and credibility of football in India.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Master Rights Agreement?
The Master Rights Agreement (MRA) is a contractual agreement between the AIFF and FSDL, governing the operational rights of the Indian Super League.
Why was the ISL not included in the AIFF's competition calendar?
The ISL was excluded from the AIFF's competition calendar because its organizers, FSDL, have not yet provided a schedule.
What are the implications of the MRA expiration?
The expiration of the MRA could lead to uncertainty regarding the future of the ISL and its operational structure.
Who is responsible for the current situation regarding the ISL?
The AIFF and FSDL are primarily responsible, as negotiations and clarity on the MRA have not progressed.
What did Bhaichung Bhutia suggest about the AIFF's leadership?
Bhaichung Bhutia suggested that new leadership is necessary to negotiate favorable terms for Indian football.
