Uncertainty continues to cloud the future of the Indian Super League (ISL), with reigning champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant unlikely to attend a crucial meeting convened by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on August 7 in New Delhi.
The gathering is meant to bring together clubs and federation officials to address the ongoing crisis triggered by the deadlock between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league’s organiser.
Sources within Mohun Bagan revealed that the club had not received a formal invitation for the meeting and stressed that even if one arrived, its participation remained improbable. “The club knows that it is a deadlock situation where a solution will come only after the Supreme Court’s judgement. In such a scenario, it becomes almost futile to have discussions without any way forward,” a source privy to the developments told Sportstar.
In contrast, city rivals East Bengal have taken the opposite stance, confirming their intent to join deliberations with the federation. “We received the letter today, and we are eager to attend. We are discussing with the higher authority at the club to come to a conclusion,” East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar said.
The dispute stems from the collapse of negotiations over the Master Rights Agreement between AIFF and FSDL. With the Supreme Court stalling further talks until it rules on the AIFF’s constitution, most ISL clubs find themselves without a competitive league calendar. Some, like Bengaluru FC, have suspended operations temporarily, while others, such as Jamshedpur FC, have resorted to short-term player contracts to stay afloat.
Thursday’s meeting is expected to focus on interim measures, including the possibility of hosting the Super Cup later this year as a temporary competition until clarity emerges on the league’s future. Traditionally held as the season-ending tournament, the Super Cup could be advanced or even replaced by the Federation Cup, depending on scheduling. “The Super Cup continues as planned, and its scheduling will depend on the finalised league (ISL) calendar,” AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey had earlier confirmed.
At present, only Mohun Bagan and FC Goa have secured competitive fixtures for the September-to-December window usually occupied by the ISL. Mohun Bagan, having clinched the ISL Shield last season, will feature in the AFC Champions League Two group stages. Goa, meanwhile, faces Al-Seeb of Oman in the ACL 2 preliminary round on August 13, with progression offering further continental commitments. FC Goa will be represented at Thursday’s meeting by its Director of Football, Ravi Puskur.
The divide between clubs willing to engage and those holding back underlines the growing tension around Indian football’s flagship league, leaving the sport’s immediate future hanging on a court ruling.
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