Archive · 10 Nov 2025
AIFF Seeks Supreme Court Guidance After Failed ISL Commercial Rights Bid
The Indian Super League, a soccer league in India, needed to find a company to manage its business deals for things like TV and online rights.
They asked companies to make offers, but no one did, even after they gave more time.
Because of this, the Indian soccer organization, called AIFF, had to go to the country's highest court, the Supreme Court, for help.
The AIFF had a special meeting with its decision-makers on November 9th.
The leader of this group, a retired judge, will now tell the Supreme Court what happened.
The league's season, which normally starts in September, hasn't begun yet, and teams are worried about what will happen next.
The court had previously told the AIFF to create new rules and find a new partner for these rights.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is turning to the Supreme Court after no bids were received for the Indian Super League's (ISL) commercial rights.
The deadline for bids was extended to November 7, 2025, but still, no company submitted an offer to manage the league's broadcasting and digital rights.
The AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) met on November 9, 2025, and its chairperson, Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao, will submit a report to the Supreme Court.
The 2025-26 ISL season remains on hold, causing uncertainty and concern among clubs, with some reportedly halting operations.
The Supreme Court had previously directed the AIFF to adopt a new constitution and initiate a tender process for these rights, which were previously managed by FSDL.
- Who
- The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC), chaired by Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao.
- What
- The AIFF is approaching the Supreme Court for guidance after its tender process to monetize the Indian Super League's (ISL) commercial rights failed to attract any bids. The 2025-26 ISL season is currently on hold.
- When
- The Bid Evaluation Committee met on Sunday, November 9, 2025, following the bid deadline of Friday, November 7, 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To find a new commercial partner for the ISL's broadcasting and digital rights after the previous agreement with FSDL expired, and the bidding process was unsuccessful.
All India Football Federation (AIFF)
Football Stakeholders (Clubs)
Impact of Failed Bidding Process
All India Football Federation (AIFF)
The AIFF views the failed bidding process as a step that requires Supreme Court guidance to determine the future course of action for monetizing the league's commercial rights and has put the 2025-26 season on hold.
Football Stakeholders (Clubs)
Clubs like Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are reportedly halting operations and awaiting clarity on the upcoming season due to the uncertainty caused by the failed bid and delay.
- Organization
- All India Football Federation (AIFF)
- League
- Indian Super League (ISL)
- Process
- Bidding for commercial rights (broadcasting and digital)
- Previous Partner
- Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL)
- Bid Deadline
- November 7, 2025
- Bids Received
- None
- Next Step
- BEC Chairperson to submit a report to the Supreme Court
- Committee Chairperson
- Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao
Sources
‘Our camp has been suspended indefinitely’: Mohun Bagan halts operations amid ISL uncertainty
East Bengal Star Slams AIFF: 'Failure of ISL Bid Shows Deep Problems in Indian Football Governance'
AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee Reviews Proposals For Commercial Rights Monetisation
AIFF Reviews ISL Proposal After League Fails to Attract a Single Bid
AIFF to submit report to Supreme Court after failed ISL tender process
AIFF seeks Supreme Court guidance after ISL bid fails to get a single proposal
