The state of Indian football is at an extremely uncertain cross road where the All India Football Federation (AIFF) currently stands the risk of suspension by FIFA. The main thrust of the crisis is that AIFF still has not completed work on revised constitution as was a promise made to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2022, and even despite the reassurances given to the two bodies.
Supreme Court and AIFF
Worrying the issue is the Supreme Court order, which has paralyzed AIFF since April, to negotiate on major issues. Due to this the negotiations towards renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) which is required to operate the Indian Super League (ISL) have abruptly halted. ISL clubs have reacted with alarm as equipments and facilities across 11 clubs have protested against extended gridlock which might force them to fully suspend operations and instruct people to stop receiving salaries and payments. Their broader implications were also cited, no functioning domestic league would mean Indian clubs would not qualify in terms of AFC minimum competitive matches played in order to participate in continental tournaments.
The future of Indian football
FIFPro, the global union for footballers, has commented adding that the suspension of players on the basis of a one sided decision of the AIFF and FSDL is illegal and the AIFF, FSDL, and clubs should heed the Football Players Association of India (FPAI). They have also petitioned FIFA and AFC to come to their immediate rescue in order to save the forthcoming ISL season.
The Supreme Court has recognized the extent of the state of affairs. It has also fixed August 28, 2025 date as the next hearing when AIFF and FSDL have to initiate a good faith negotiation process to restart the league and must ultimately present an actionable plan to the court. AIFF should move immediately. Further postponement would echo similar delays that have doomed India before like in the case of FIFA suspension which left the country on the brink of hosting the U17 Women World Cup 2022. The future of Indian football and its international reputation, the current season of the ISL, as well as expectations related to the Indian continental affairs all depend on this.
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