ISL Future in Flux as FSDL Proposes New Structure Amid MRA Expiry

With the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) set to expire in December 2025, a major reshaping of Indian football’s top-tier structure may be on the horizon. FSDL, which currently operates the Indian Super League (ISL), has submitted a detailed proposal to the AIFF outlining a bold new plan for managing and commercialising the league.

At the heart of this proposal is the creation of a new entity—‘ISL NewCo JV’—which would take over governance, operations, and revenue management for both the ISL and the Indian national teams. According to the draft reviewed by Sportstar, the new company would see ISL clubs holding 60% equity, AIFF 14%, and FSDL 26%. Though FSDL would be a minority shareholder, it would retain veto rights on key decisions.

Crucially, the draft includes a controversial 10-year moratorium on promotion and relegation within the ISL. Under this proposal, no team from lower divisions would be promoted unless they meet stringent financial and licensing standards, have been in operation for at least five years under stable ownership, and secure unanimous approval from all ISL stakeholders. The ISL would also remain limited to its current number of teams for at least five years.

This clause directly challenges the AIFF’s previous commitment to implement a promotion-relegation system from the 2024-25 season, as recommended by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Already, teams like Punjab FC and Mohammedan Sporting have been granted promotion, and another—either Churchill Brothers or Inter Kashi—awaits a Court of Arbitration for Sport decision that could further test this pathway.

If the AIFF accepts the new draft, it would also mark the end of the current financial model. The federation would no longer receive INR 50 crore annually from FSDL, as stipulated in the original MRA. Instead, it would bear financial risks proportional to its 14% equity, collecting dividends only if profits are made. Revenue from non-ISL competitions like the I-League and Super Cup, however, would remain entirely with the AIFF.

The timing of this proposal is significant. With the Supreme Court scheduled to decide on the AIFF’s new constitution on July 18, governance reforms are imminent. FSDL’s model attempts to align with these reforms while drawing parallels to successful league structures like the Premier League and J-League.

Whether the AIFF embraces this new vision or stands by its AFC commitments will determine the direction of Indian football for years to come.