The ongoing fight between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has put Indian football in a crisis. With the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season suspended, the question everyone is asking is: what happens next?

To understand the possible outcomes, we need to look at history, both in India and abroad, where similar football disputes have taken place.

Why The AIFF vs FSDL Dispute Matters

• The Master Rights Agreement (MRA) signed in 2010 gave FSDL (a Reliance-backed company) control over the commercial rights of ISL for 15 years.
• This agreement expires in December 2025.
• The Supreme Court has stopped AIFF from renewing it until the new AIFF constitution is approved.
• FSDL, in response, has suspended the ISL season, leaving 11 clubs, hundreds of players, and thousands of jobs in danger.

This is not just a legal battle, it is about the future of Indian football’s most-watched league.

Possible Outcome 1: Supreme Court Extends The FSDL Agreement

One possible outcome is that the Supreme Court extends the MRA temporarily. This has happened in other sports. For example, in 2013, the BCCI and Kochi Tuskers Kerala dispute went on for years, but the IPL continued because the courts allowed the league to run while the case was still open.

If the same happens here, the ISL may restart with FSDL continuing to run operations until a permanent decision is made. This would save clubs and players from financial collapse.

Possible Outcome 2: AIFF Regains Control Over ISL

Another possibility is that the Supreme Court gives control back to AIFF.

A similar example is 2018 in Malaysia, where their FA took back league control from a private partner after disputes. The result was short-term chaos but long-term restructuring with more transparency.

If AIFF gets control, it will have to manage broadcasting, sponsorship, and club contracts on its own. This is risky because AIFF does not have the same resources and network as FSDL, but it could lead to more direct accountability.

Possible Outcome 3: Clubs Form A Breakaway League

History shows that when federations and private partners clash, clubs sometimes take matters into their own hands.

• In England, 1992, top clubs broke away from the Football League and formed the Premier League, which is now the richest league in the world.
• In India itself, 2007, the ICL (Indian Cricket League) was formed outside BCCI. Though it failed, it eventually forced the BCCI to launch the IPL.

If the stalemate continues, ISL clubs might join hands with sponsors and broadcasters to form a new independent league. This would be bold but could push Indian football in a new direction.

Possible Outcome 4: Long Court Battle and Collapse of Clubs

The worst-case scenario is a long legal battle with no football.

• In Nigeria, from 2010–2014, constant court fights between the football federation and private operators stopped league seasons, leading to clubs shutting down and players moving abroad.
• Already, ISL clubs have warned that they may shut down entirely if the issue is not resolved soon.

This outcome would be a disaster, not just for clubs, but also for young Indian players hoping to build careers.

What This Means For Indian Football

• Short term: Players, coaches, and staff are stuck without salaries and contracts. Sponsors are pulling back.
• Medium term: India risks losing its AFC club competition slots, damaging its standing in Asian football.
• Long term: The final judgment will decide whether Indian football grows into a sustainable system like Japan’s J-League or falls into years of instability like Nigeria.

Final Word

The Supreme Court hearing on August 22, 2025, will be one of the most important days in Indian football history. Whether the ISL survives under FSDL, shifts back to AIFF, or takes an entirely new path, the decision will shape the future of the sport in India.

The lesson from history is clear: football cannot survive without stability. For the sake of clubs, players, and fans, India needs a quick resolution.