Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 20: The Supreme Court on Friday approved the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) new Constitution, paving the way for the federation to become the sole owner and operator of India’s top-tier football league, ending private ownership of the Indian Super League (ISL) by Reliance’s Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).

The Constitution introduces a promotion and relegation system aligned with global football standards. The SC clarified that the “seniormost top division league” will now be the AIFF-owned league implementing these principles. Definitions for eminent players were modified, reducing international match requirements to five for men and two for women.

Under the new structure, the AIFF executive committee will have 14 members, including a president, two vice presidents (one male, one female), a treasurer, and ten others, with five being eminent players, including two women. Provisions for no-confidence motions to remove office bearers have also been included.

The Court emphasized that continuous monitoring of sports federations, even by the judiciary, is not appropriate. With the Constitution approved, AIFF can now conduct open tenders for a new commercial partner and launch the 2025-26 season without risking a FIFA ban.

“This Constitution marks a new beginning for Indian football and will elevate the sport nationally and internationally,” the SC said. The draft was initially prepared by a court-appointed Committee of Administrators in 2022 and later refined under retired Justice L. Nageswara Rao.