Latest news with #MSatyanarayan
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
ISL organisers inform clubs that 2025-26 edition will not start after AIFF calendar snub, no clarity on MRA: Report
Indian football has never been short of controversies, and another scandal has joined the bandwagon! According to reports, the Indian Super League (ISL) organisers have informed clubs that there is uncertainity over the upcoming 2025-26 season, and it won't kick-off until there is clarity over the status of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) signed with the AIFF. The ISL, which is also the country's top-tier football league, is run by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). FSDL is also the commercial partner of AIFF, and they signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. According to the MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF ₹50 crore annually, and in turn get the rights to broadcast, manage and commercialise Indian football, which also includes the national team. According to a PTI report, an anonymous source privy to the development said, 'FSDL has told the ISL club owners verbally that the next edition will not start until there is clarity on the MRA'. 'MRA ends in December and there is no clarity whether it will be renewed or a new agreement will be signed.' The AIFF, on the other hand, have claimed innocence. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan said, 'We have not got any communication from the FSDL regarding ISL.' The previous two ISL seasons begin in September. The PTI report also mentions that FSDL are planning to make a new holding company that operates the ISL, with participating clubs (60 percent), FSDL (26 percent) and AIFF (14 percent) as shareholders. The anonymous source informed PTI, 'May be, there might be other arrangements for other properties like I-League, national teams etc. But it is very sketchy as of now regarding what the FSDL and AIFF want.' Also the delay is due to the Supreme Court directing the AIFF not to take any major decision until the final decision on a pending constitution case. On April 30, the country's top court reserved its verdict. Meanwhile, a former official said, 'If the SC directs new election of the AIFF, then the MRA will have to be negotiated by the new office bearers and that will take time.' 'Still, there may be enough time for the 2025-26 to happen, may be by squeezing the schedule or stretching the end date. That is the best case scenario.' Also the 2025-26 calendar released last month did not have any mention of ISL. Regarding, the source told PTI, 'There was nothing to be interpreted from the calendar. Firstly, it was issued last month and secondly, it was meant for events which are conducted directly by the AIFF.' 'ISL is not directly conducted by the AIFF and so the ISL dates were not there in the calendar. Moreover, the AIFF always consults the FSDL before announcing ISL dates. So, there is nothing in the calendar regarding the ISL.'
India Today
19-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
ISL organisers tell clubs 2025-26 season won't start with out MRA status clarity
Indian Super League (ISL) organisers have told the clubs that the 2025-26 edition will not kick off until there is clarity over the status of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) signed with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), putting the country's top-tier competition in a limbo. Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which runs the ISL, is the commercial partner of the AIFF, with whom the national federation signed a 15-year MRA in the MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF Rs 50 crore annually. FSDL, in turn, gets the rights to broadcast, manage and commercialise Indian football, including the national Read: Jose Mourinho vs Turkish FA: Fenerbahce demand investigation after leaked texts"FSDL has told the ISL club owners verbally that the next edition will not start until there is clarity on the MRA," a source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity."MRA ends in December and there is no clarity whether it will be renewed or a new agreement will be signed."The AIFF, however, said that FSDL has not told anything about the fate of the ISL to the national federation."We have not got any communication from the FSDL regarding ISL," AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan said when asked if the league will start on the last two seasons, the ISL began in September. According to another source, FSDL is learnt to favour creating a new holding company that operates the ISL, with participating clubs (60%), FSDL (26%) and AIFF (14%) as shareholders."Maybe, there might be other arrangements for other properties like I-League, national teams etc. But it is very sketchy as of now regarding what the FSDL and AIFF want," the source matter has also become complex after the Supreme Court directive to the AIFF not to take any major decision until the final decision on a pending case on the constitution of the national federation is given. On April 30, the SC had reserved its April, the AIFF had formed an eight-member task force to look into MRA negotiations with the FSDL. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is also AIFF executive committee member, had then told the brass to wait till the Supreme Court verdict, which is likely to come in July."If the SC directs new election of the AIFF, then the MRA will have to be negotiated by the new office bearers and that will take time," a former official said."Still, there may be enough time for the 2025-26 to happen, maybe by squeezing the schedule or stretching the end date. That is the best case scenario."2025-26 calendar issued last month did not mention ISL The AIFF last month issued the competition calendar for 2025-26 season and there was no mention of the ISL in it. But, a source said the calendar was for events which come directly under the AIFF and ISL schedule is put up only after consulting the FSDL."There was nothing to be interpreted from the calendar. Firstly, it was issued last month and secondly, it was meant for events which are conducted directly by the AIFF," the source said."ISL is not directly conducted by the AIFF and so the ISL dates were not there in the calendar. Moreover, the AIFF always consults the FSDL before announcing ISL dates. So, there is nothing in the calendar regarding the ISL."Must Watch
India Today
29-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
AIFF asks Churchill to return I-League trophy; Goa chief demands probe
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday asked Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy it presented to the club, even as Goa Football Association (GFA) questioned the rationale behind awarding the silverware despite a stay order from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).On Sunday, hours after Switzerland-based CAS stayed AIFF's decision to declare Churchill Brothers as I-League champions and barred it from conducting any formal medal ceremony, the national federation awarded the winners trophy to the Goan Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan presented the trophy to Churchill Brothers players and later claimed that the federation learned about the CAS order only after the ceremony was over, as its secretariat was closed on Sunday. But on Monday, the AIFF was forced to ask Churchill to return the trophy."On Monday, we have written to Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy," an AIFF source told PTI on condition of anonymity."We are bound to obey the CAS order. Let the CAS decide on the matter, and we will hand over the trophy after the decision."Meanwhile, GFA President Caitano Fernandes on Monday wrote a letter to the AIFF Executive Committee members to hold an "urgent inquiry on the potential disregard of the CAS order.""...the decision to proceed with the presentation in apparent disregard of a CAS directive brings serious embarrassment to AIFF. Ignoring a CAS order would undoubtedly have severe consequences for the AIFF and the reputation of Indian football on the international stage," Fernandes wrote in the I implore the esteemed members of the Executive Committee to treat this matter with utmost seriousness it deserves. A comprehensive and impartial probe must be launched immediately to rationale behind proceeding with the event."He also claimed that he was not provided any communication regarding the I-League trophy presentation after he was initially invited for the formal ceremony on Sunday. He said by doing so, the AIFF has shown an "unacceptable level of mistreatment towards the GFA.""On the evening of April 26th... I received an e-mail from Mr Satyanaryanan inviting me, in my capacity as GFA president and member of League Committee to attend the trophy presentation scheduled to take place in Goa on April 27th. The e-mail stated that the venue and specific schedule would be confirmed upon his arrival in Goa," he said he received no further communication regarding the trophy presentation and later came to know that the ceremony has already taken place "completely bypassing the involvement and presence of GFA."He demanded a comprehensive and impartial probe into the reasons behind the failure to communicate the presentation details to GFA and the "utter disregard shown to the GFA".Asked about Fernandes' claim, Satyanarayan said, "It was unintentional (development). The trophy was to be presented on April 26 initially but Churchill said to be done on April (Churchill) also did not give any venue initially. So, I myself did not know the venue beforehand."Later, Churchill also wanted the ceremony to be a small one. I just landed in Goa and straightway went to the venue to present the trophy. So, there was no intention on my part to cause any inconvenience to Mr Fernandes."Churchill Brothers had finished provisionally on top of the table with 40 points after the final round on April 6. But, their title and Indian Super League promotion were subject to the outcome of Inter Kashi's disputed points from their January 13 match against Namdhari SC, which the latter had won AIFF Disciplinary Committee had awarded a 3-0 forfeit win and three points to Inter Kashi after ruling that Namdhari fielded an 'ineligible player'.That decision would have taken Inter Kashi to 42 points, enough to clinch the title. However, the AIFF Appeals Committee later put the Disciplinary Committee order "inoperative and in abeyance" pending a final a delayed process, including a postponed April 12 hearing due to Namdhari's counsel citing "sickness", the AIFF's Appeals Committee on April 18 set aside the Disciplinary Committee's order and ruled in favour of the basis of its Appeal Committee ruling, the AIFF had declared Churchill Brothers as I-League champions.
The Print
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Print
AIFF awards I-League trophy to Churchill despite CAS stay order
All India Football Federation (AIFF) deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan presented the trophy to Churchill Brothers and claimed that they learnt about the CAS order only after the ceremony was conducted. New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) Hours after Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stayed AIFF's decision to declare Churchill Brothers as I League champions and barred it from conducting any formal felicitation ceremony, the national federation awarded the winners trophy to the Goan club, a development which may invite action from the international body. Elizabeth Steiner, the Deputy President of the Appeals Arbitration Division of the CAS, had barred AIFF from conducting any medal ceremony till the case is decided. Inter Kashi President Prithiijit Das said that the CAS order came around 1:30pm IST on Sunday while Satyanarayan gave away the trophy to Churchill at around 4pm. 'The CAS order came around 1:30pm IST and the mail was marked to AIFF also,' Das told PTI. Satyanarayan, however, said that the AIFF came to know of the CAS order only after he had already given away the trophy to Churchill Brothers. He said since the AIFF Secretariat was closed on Sunday and he being on a flight, he came to know of the CAS order late in the day. 'I was on a flight to Goa to give away the trophy and it being a Sunday, the AIFF Secretariat is closed. I came to know about it only after I gave away the trophy,' he told PTI. 'We have followed the Delhi High Court and AIFF Appeals Committee order and now we will see what can be done after consulting the lawyers.' He did say that the AIFF will have to obey the CAS' final ruling on the matter. 'After the hearing, whatever the CAS rules, we have to obey it and then we have to act accordingly.' AIFF and Churchill Brothers were among the respondents in the case before the Switzerland-based CAS. How the world football governing body FIFA and the CAS react to the development is to be seen. CAS is the highest sports tribunal in the world and all the sports bodies are bound to obey its directions. Whether the AIFF is able to explain the timeline as to how it was not able to receive the CAS order on time will be important. The AIFF later issued a statement defending its position. 'The I-League 2024-25 presentation ceremony was concluded on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Goa. During the event, the champions' trophy and winners' medals were formally presented to Churchill Brothers FC Goa, as per Appeals Committee order and representation made by AIFF to Hon'ble Delhi High Court on April 23, 2025. 'The AIFF would like to clarify that, with regard to CAS order, due to a holiday in the AIFF Secretariat, the Federation was only informed of the order at a time when the ceremony had already been concluded in Goa. The AIFF remains committed to adhering to all regulatory and legal processes and will take appropriate action.' In an order passed 'on request for provisional measures', Steiner barred the AIFF from conducting any medal ceremony till the case is decided. 'The decision rendered by the Appeal Committee of All India Football Federation rendered on 18 April 2025 is stayed,' Steiner said in an 'ex parte' order. 'The All India Football Federation is ordered not to declare the winner of the I-League 2024/2025 or organise a medal ceremony for the I-League 2024-25 until the present arbitration has been concluded,' said the Austrian jurist. In 'ex parte' order, the proceeding or action involves only one party without notice to the other. These orders are in place only until further hearings can be held. The CAS granted the respondents, including the AIFF and Churchill Brothers 'a time limit to file a full reply to the application for provisional measures until 29 April 2025.' Churchill Brothers had finished provisionally on top of the table with 40 points after the final round on April 6. But, their title and Indian Super League promotion were subject to the outcome of Inter Kashi's disputed points from their January 13 match against Namdhari SC, which the latter had won 2-0. The AIFF Disciplinary Committee had awarded a 3-0 forfeit win and three points to Inter Kashi after ruling that Namdhari fielded an 'ineligible player'. That decision would have taken Inter Kashi to 42 points, enough to clinch the title. However, the AIFF Appeals Committee later put the Disciplinary Committee order 'inoperative and in abeyance' pending a final hearing. After a delayed process, including a postponed April 12 hearing due to Namdhari's counsel citing 'sickness', the AIFF's Appeals Committee on April 18 set aside the Disciplinary Committee's order and ruled in favour of Churchill. On the basis of its Appeal Committee ruling, the AIFF had declared Churchill Brothers as I-League champions. PTI PDS PDS AT AT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
AIFF awards I-League trophy to Churchill Brothers despite CAS stay
In a controversial move, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) awarded the I-League trophy to Churchill Brothers on Sunday, just hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had stayed the decision and barred any formal felicitation. The defiant act could invite further scrutiny from global bodies like FIFA and CAS. Deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan handed the trophy to Churchill Brothers at a ceremony in Goa, claiming the AIFF only learned about the CAS order after the presentation. "I was on a flight to Goa and the AIFF Secretariat was closed on Sunday. I came to know about the order only after giving away the trophy," Satyanarayan told PTI. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The CAS stay came on an urgent application filed by Inter Kashi, who argued that a pending points dispute could alter the final standings. Inter Kashi president Prithiijit Das asserted, "The CAS order came around 1:30 pm IST and the mail was marked to AIFF also," questioning the federation's explanation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jakarta Raya: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Who's that IPL player? CAS deputy president Elizabeth Steiner had clearly ruled that the AIFF must not declare a winner or hold any ceremony until the arbitration concludes. The respondents, including AIFF and Churchill Brothers, have until April 29 to respond. Poll How should AIFF handle the situation moving forward? Consult FIFA for further guidance. Stand by their decision and await CAS verdict. Revoke the trophy award until CAS concludes. Defending its move, AIFF later issued a statement, emphasising that the presentation was based on previous Delhi High Court and Appeals Committee rulings and that the federation would comply with CAS' final verdict. Churchill Brothers had provisionally finished atop the I-League standings, but Inter Kashi's challenge over a disputed match result could yet overturn the title race. With the CAS involved, how FIFA and the world body react remains to be seen, especially since sports federations are bound to respect CAS directives. The controversy has cast a shadow over Indian football's governance yet again.
