In a relief to the Indian footballing fraternity, the Supreme Court on Monday instructed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to take all necessary steps to ensure the timely commencement of the 2025-26 calendar, including the prestigious Super Cup and other tournaments under its jurisdiction.

A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi emphasized the importance of adhering to schedules to maintain the sport’s momentum and fan engagement across the country. The court further underscored the need for transparency and fairness in the commercial dealings of Indian football, particularly regarding the Indian Super League (ISL).

In this regard, the Supreme Court directed the AIFF to initiate an open and competitive tender process to identify and select a commercial partner responsible for managing the ISL. To oversee this crucial exercise and ensure its integrity, the court appointed former Supreme Court judge, Justice L. Nageswara Rao, as an independent observer.