Indian football has been handed a fresh lifeline with the Supreme Court delivering its first directive in the ongoing tussle between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).

The apex court, on Tuesday, ordered AIFF to conduct a transparent tender process for commercial rights of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the Super Cup from the 2025–26 season. The decision is aimed at ensuring that India’s domestic football calendar kicks off without delays.

To monitor the process, the court appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao, granting him authority to rope in experts for smooth execution.

AIFF secretary general Satyanarayan called the order a “victory for Indian football”, though he stressed it was premature to comment further until the copy of the official judgment is reviewed and the executive committee is briefed accordingly. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, meanwhile, refused to comment, saying he would speak “in the days to come.”

Importantly, the Supreme Court hailed FSDL’s decision to relinquish its commercial rights, describing it as a “significant step in the evolution of Indian football” and a milestone in institutionalising both domestic and international tournaments.

Notably, the interim order was silent on two crucial issues—the AIFF elections and the long-awaited revised Constitution. Rulings on these pending issues are expected later this week or early next week.

By Joe Williams