Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 10: Amid mounting uncertainty over the fate of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday moved to ease fears among its referees, assuring that their contracts will be renewed “as per established procedure.”
The assurance came after nine referees wrote to the AIFF on August 5 seeking an extension of their professional match official contracts, which are set to expire on August 31. “The AIFF would like to assure that these contracts shall be renewed in accordance with the established procedures, subject to the existing process of the Elite Referees’ Development Programme,” the federation said in a notice.
Urging all parties to “remain calm,” the AIFF pointed out that several competitions are underway, including the Durand Cup and Futsal Club Championship, as well as the U20 Women’s National Team’s campaign in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Myanmar. Camps for the U23 men’s and U17 women’s national teams are also ongoing in Bengaluru.
The referees’ anxiety stems from the stalemate over the ISL 2025-26 season. On July 11, league organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) announced the season was on hold, pending clarity over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) signed with the AIFF in 2010. The Supreme Court has barred the AIFF from negotiating fresh MRA terms until it delivers its verdict on the AIFF draft constitution case, leaving the league—traditionally held from September to April—in limbo.
On Friday, 11 of the 13 ISL clubs, excluding Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal, wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, urging him to move the matter before the Supreme Court for urgent hearing. They warned that without immediate action, they might seek legal recourse independently.
The crisis has already forced two-time champions Chennaiyin FC to suspend first-team operations, while Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC have frozen player and staff salaries.
To keep competitive football alive, the AIFF has proposed starting the Super Cup in mid-September, ahead of a delayed ISL. While the federation insists the top-tier league will take place, the schedule and format remain undecided.