A System on Trial: The Failed Indian Super League Tender and the Legal Reckoning of Indian Football - By Deep RAY, Aniket ROUT and Tarun

Introduction

Indian football’s commercial and governance system, built on a 15-year-old deal and kept alive by protracted litigation, reached a critical juncture in November 2025. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), via its “Request for Proposal” (RFP), sought to sell the commercial rights for the Indian SuperLeague (ISL) for the next 15 years, only to receive no offers at all by the 7 November deadline.^[1] The episode has attracted widespread public and media criticism.

However, the lack of bids does not reflect a lack of interest. Four parties, namely the current rights holder...

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