Supreme Court approves new AIFF Constitution, mandates promotion-relegation system in ISL, ends private control, and empowers Indian football governance ahead of FIFA deadline.
In a historic verdict, the Supreme Court of India has approved a new Constitution for the All India Football Federation (AIFF), marking a transformative shift in the governance and future of Indian football. This ruling brings the Indian Super League (ISL) under the sole ownership and operational control of the AIFF, ending the decade-long private management by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
The revised Constitution mandates the implementation of a promotion and relegation system in the ISL, aligning Indian football with global standards and enhancing competitiveness. The new framework defines the “seniormost top division league” as the AIFF-owned and operated league, thereby ensuring standardized governance across the country’s premier football competition.
A significant amendment in the Constitution includes revised criteria for recognizing eminent players, reducing the minimum international match requirement to five for men and two for women. This change aims to broaden recognition and encourage greater participation and contribution to Indian football.
The Supreme Court also validated the current AIFF executive committee, led by president Kalyan Chaubey, allowing it to continue functioning without fresh elections during its remaining tenure. The Constitution now introduces clear age and tenure limits for office bearers, including a maximum age of 70 and a mandatory cooling-off period after eight years of service. The committee’s composition will feature 14 members, including key positions like president, two vice-presidents (one male and one female), treasurer, and five eminent players—two of whom will be women.
To improve accountability, the Constitution empowers stakeholders to remove office bearers through no-confidence motions, a provision absent in previous regulations. This change is expected to strengthen transparency and responsiveness in AIFF’s administration.
The Supreme Court has provided AIFF the opportunity to implement this new Constitution before FIFA’s October 30 deadline, preventing a potential ban on Indian football due to third-party interference concerns. Furthermore, the court has authorized AIFF to conduct open tenders for appointing a new commercial partner for the ISL and oversee the 2025-26 season directly.
Highlighting the significance of this ruling, the Supreme Court stated, “The Constitution, once adopted, will mark a new beginning for Indian football and elevate the sport to greater heights.” It emphasized that active participation from all stakeholders will be crucial in maintaining the league’s competitiveness and global appeal.
With this landmark decision, Indian football is poised for a new era of robust governance, transparency, and opportunities that will benefit players, fans, and the sport’s overall ecosystem.