Case:- All India Football Federation vs Rahul Mehra and Ors.
Citation:- SLP(Civil) 30748-30749/2017
Date:- 01.09.2025
Supreme Court Bench:- Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
The Supreme Court recently accepted a proposal offered by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner for the football season 2025-26 and ordered the AIFF to take steps for timely commencement of the football competitions under its control.
- The Supreme Court has accepted a proposal by AIFF and its partner for the smooth conduct of the 2025-26 football season.
- AIFF has been directed to ensure the timely start of all football tournaments under its control, including the Super Cup.
- The Court asked AIFF to invite open and transparent bids for selecting a commercial partner to conduct the Indian Super League (ISL).
- Former Supreme Court judge, Justice L. Nageswara Rao, will oversee the process to ensure a competent and reputed firm is chosen, in line with global best practices.
- This order lifts the embargo earlier placed by the Court due to uncertainties created after the introduction of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
- The Court noted that the draft AIFF Constitution is largely in line with the new Act but said it will hear arguments on concerns about autonomy before finalizing it.
