What Caused the Delay in the MRA Agreement for ISL?

New Delhi, July 12 (NationPress) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has pointed to a Supreme Court observation as the reason behind the postponement of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which has resulted in a standstill for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season.

The national governing body for football in India indicated that it initiated negotiations with FSDL concerning the renewal of the MRA. However, these discussions could not be finalized due to the Supreme Court's directives.

"In accordance with the Master Rights Agreement, the AIFF promptly commenced negotiations for a renewal with FSDL on November 21, 2024. Following this, senior representatives from both sides held meetings on February 5, 2025, in New Delhi, and on March 5, 2025, in Mumbai, to deliberate on the renewal terms," the AIFF stated in a recent announcement.

"After these discussions, FSDL submitted a proposal on March 5, 2025, to which the AIFF provided a counter-proposal on April 21, 2025.

"Shortly thereafter, the AIFF received legal counsel advising that during a hearing on April 26, 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India remarked that the renewal of the MRA should be deferred until further orders are issued," it continued.

Furthermore, the AIFF noted, "In light of this legal guidance, discussions regarding the renewal with FSDL are currently on hold, awaiting further instructions from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India."

In a communication to the participating clubs, which IANS has obtained, FSDL expressed that it is compelled to suspend the ISL 2025-26 season due to its inability to effectively plan, organize, or commercialize the upcoming season in the absence of a finalized agreement concerning the MRA, which is scheduled to conclude on December 8, 2025, with the AIFF.

"Under these circumstances, we regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the 2025-26 ISL season and are placing it on hold until there is clarity regarding the contractual framework beyond the current MRA's expiration. This decision has not been made lightly," it stated.

FSDL claimed that the MRA with AIFF will conclude "approximately one-third of the way through a typical ISL season, which runs from September to April," as the national federation has yet to provide a conclusive response to the renewal proposal.

Conversely, the AIFF asserted that it is "aware of ISL's significance not only to the football infrastructure in the nation but also to all clubs, players, support staff, officials, and fans, and understands the challenges posed by this disruption."

"Simultaneously, the AIFF respects the legal framework established by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The AIFF and its stakeholders will take every possible measure to ensure the continuity of the ISL in the best interests of Indian football. We kindly request the patience of all involved during this interim period," it added.

In December 2010, IMG Reliance, a collaboration between IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries, acquired all commercial rights to football in India for a duration of 15 years.

According to the agreement, the AIFF entrusted IMG Reliance with the rights to leverage the sport's commercial potential to enhance, popularize, and promote football across India, from grassroots to professional levels.