The Supreme Court decided on Monday to hear the case related to the ongoing dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and FSDL on August 22nd.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has made a significant decision regarding the ongoing dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar has decided to hear the case on August 22, 2025. This dispute has arisen concerning the future of the Indian Super League (ISL)'s 11 clubs and the top domestic football competition.
Root of the Dispute: Contract and Future of the Tournament
The dispute originated due to the non-renewal of the contract between AIFF and FSDL. The 11 clubs of the Indian Super League (ISL) have warned the AIFF that they may consider shutting down the entire competition if a solution is not found soon. The clubs state that this continued deadlock will harm the players and the development of football.
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued in the Supreme Court that FSDL should organize the ISL during the contract period and complete it respectfully. If this does not happen, the AIFF should be directed to terminate the contract and issue new tenders. Sankaranarayanan also stated that if the tournament is not held on time, the players will suffer financial losses and India may face a ban under FIFA rules. The court took this argument seriously and fixed the next hearing of the case for August 22nd.
Concerns of ISL Clubs
The 11 ISL clubs say that this dispute could affect their future. Their main fear is that if an agreement is not reached between AIFF and FSDL, the ISL season may be cancelled or postponed. The clubs also informed the court that the players' salaries and the necessary financial arrangements for running the tournament are being affected.
In this case, the court specifically noted that the ISL is not just a matter for clubs and organizers, but is related to the national and international reputation of football in India. The Supreme Court bench, considering the seriousness of the matter, has fixed the date of the hearing. In the hearing to be held on August 22, the court will decide whether FSDL should be ordered to honor the contract or AIFF should be allowed to issue a new tender.
