Supreme Court Directs AIFF To Conduct ISL 2025-26; Appoints Justice Nageswara Rao To Oversee Partner Selection
The Supreme Court has directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ensure the smooth start of the 2025–26 football season, including the Indian Super League (ISL) and Super Cup.
A Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi said AIFF must take all necessary steps to maintain the football calendar and competitive continuity for the season.
The Court lifted an earlier embargo on AIFF’s commercial decisions, which was imposed during the framing of its draft constitution. With the introduction of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, uncertainty had arisen over football tournaments, especially the ISL. AIFF and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL), had failed to finalise terms, leading to suspension of several leagues.
To resolve this, the Court allowed AIFF to invite open and transparent bids for choosing a commercial partner to manage ISL. It appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao to supervise the process and ensure that a reputed and efficient firm is selected, following global best practices.
The Court also noted that the draft AIFF Constitution largely aligns with the new Sports Governance Act, though it will hear further submissions before giving its final approval.
Case Title: All India Football Federation v. Rahul Mehra & Ors., SLP(C) Nos. 30748-30749 of 2017
