Latest news with #NationalSportsGovernanceBill
News18
26 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
AIFF Clarifies Flip-Flop On ISL Matter, Says Sports Bill Had To Be Brought To SC's Notice First
The AIFF aimed to inform the Supreme Court about the National Sports Governance Bill before discussing the ISL crisis. On Monday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) addressed criticism regarding its perceived inconsistency by clarifying that it initially aimed to inform the Supreme Court about the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill before discussing the Indian Super League (ISL) crisis. On August 14, the AIFF stated that it would present this week before the Supreme Court the concerns of the ISL clubs about the delay in the start of the 2025-26 season and the difficulties faced by players and other stakeholders. On Sunday afternoon, the AIFF announced it would bring up the matter before the Court on Monday at 10:30 am. However, by late evening, the federation revised its decision, stating it would not mention the issue on Monday. Late Sunday night, Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan informed that he would mention the case along with fellow Amicus Curiae Samar Bansal on Monday at 10:30 am. 'Based on advice received that the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 had passed both the houses of Parliament, the AIFF's Senior Counsel advised during a briefing meeting on Sunday late evening that this is the first aspect that needs to be brought to the attention of the Hon'ble Supreme Court," the AIFF said in a statement. The AIFF stated that their senior counsel appeared before the Supreme Court, which has reserved its judgment on the draft constitution case, and made oral submissions. When Is Next Hearing At Sumpreme Court For AIFF? The Hon'ble Supreme Court has requested written submissions from the parties before the next hearing on Friday, August 22. 'The Hon'ble Supreme Court has requested written submissions from the parties prior to the next hearing on Friday August 22. 'The AIFF intends to use this opportunity to represent to the Hon'ble Supreme Court the urgent need for commercial continuity and to determine the future structure of its top-tier league, in the interests of players, clubs and other parties all of whose livelihoods are at stake due to the current impasse." Hundreds of Indian and foreign footballers are uncertain as the Masters Rights Agreement (MRA) between Indian Super League organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and AIFF remains unrenewed. Eleven ISL clubs have warned the AIFF of the real possibility of shutting down entirely if the impasse over the future of the top-tier domestic competition is not resolved promptly. The clubs stated that the crisis from the non-renewal of the MRA has paralysed professional football in India. The crisis emerged after FSDL placed the 2025-26 ISL season on hold on July 11 due to uncertainty over the MRA renewal, causing at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 18, 2025, 22:26 IST News sports AIFF Clarifies Flip-Flop On ISL Matter, Says Sports Bill Had To Be Brought To SC's Notice First Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
Mint
8 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Supreme Court to hear pleas on status of Indian Super League 2025–26 season
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear pleas by stakeholders on the status of the Indian Super League (ISL), offering some relief to millions of fans awaiting the new season of the country's premier football competition. The case centres on the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL), which has been on hold since April following an apex court directive. ISL clubs and AIFF approached the Supreme Court, citing delays in the 2025-26 season, frozen player contracts and operational disruptions due to the stalled MRA. The matter will be heard on 22 August by a bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha, after being mentioned by amicus curiae, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan on Monday. The MRA, signed in 2010, granted FSDL exclusive commercial rights to operate and market the ISL for 15 years. This included sponsorships, broadcasting and league management, while ensuring AIFF an annual fee of $5.1 million. AIFF, a member of FIFA, governs the sport in India. FSDL, a subsidiary of Reliance-backed IMG-Reliance, was incorporated in 2010 to commercially operate and develop Indian football. The agreement is set to expire on 8 December 2025, but its renewal has been stalled as the court weighs the AIFF's constitutional validity. In April, the court barred AIFF from signing fresh commercial contracts, plunging the upcoming season into uncertainty. While the agreement helped transform ISL into India's flagship football competition—expanding from eight clubs in 2013 to 14 today—the impasse has created turmoil. Many clubs have suspended operations; broadcasters face uncertainty and players' contracts remain frozen. Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC are among those forced to halt salaries. 'The judgment in the AIFF matter is reserved since April 30. Its outcome will determine not only the future of the MRA but also how national sports federations are governed in India,' said sports activist and lawyer Rahul Mehra, the petitioner in the case. Mehra told Mint that the Supreme Court will consider some aspects of the AIFF constitution afresh in light of the new sports bill. The AIFF said the concerns of ISL clubs over delays in the 2025-26 season and hardships faced by players and stakeholders will be conveyed to the Supreme Court for its consideration. 'A discussion was held between the legal representatives of the All-India Football Federation and the Indian Super League clubs on Thursday. It has been agreed by all parties that the concerns of the ISL clubs pertaining to the delay in the commencement of the 2025-26 ISL season, and the hardship being felt by the players and other stakeholders will be conveyed to the Supreme Court next week,' the AIFF said in a statement last week. The tournament is typically held from September to April. The dispute coincides with the introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, last month, which proposes sweeping reforms, including stricter accountability of sports bodies, mandatory ethics codes and the creation of a National Sports Tribunal with appeals to the Supreme Court or the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The uncertainty over ISL reflects a deeper malaise in Indian sport. From the collapse of the domestic hockey and boxing leagues to repeated suspensions of national federations, poor governance, political infighting and opaque structures, professional sport in the country continues to get derailed. The AIFF controversy dates back to its 2016 elections, when Praful Patel was re-elected as president. The Delhi High Court ruled that the elections violated the National Sports Code, 2011, citing breaches in tenure limits, age caps and democratic representation. The court invalidated the polls and ordered a new AIFF constitution in line with the Sports Code. Though the Supreme Court stayed that ruling in 2017, it acknowledged the need for reform and appointed a Committee of Administrators (CoA) in 2022 to draft a new constitution. FIFA's subsequent suspension of India highlighted the gravity of AIFF's governance crisis. Later, the Supreme Court's intervention led to fresh elections and Kalyan Chaubey's presidency. The suspension was lifted, restoring India's hosting rights for the U-17 Women's World Cup. While reserving its verdict on the AIFF's constitutional case in April, the Supreme Court directed the AIFF not to sign or renew the MRA until a final ruling is delivered—leading to the current deliberations.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
National Sports Governance Bill lowers eligibility rule to one term in EC for NSF leadership aspirants
Aspirants for the top positions in national federations will be required to serve just one term in the Executive Committee, instead of the 'overly restrictive' eligibility rule of two terms prescribed earlier, as the Sports Ministry wants to encourage 'younger administrators and athlete-leaders'. The National Sports Governance Bill, which was passed by the Parliament last week and now awaits the presidential assent to formally become an act, lays down the criteria for seeking election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer in the National Sports Federations (NSFs). It originally mandated two terms in the Executive Committee for anyone aspiring for the top three posts. This provision has been relaxed through an amendment, making it a minimum of one term after consultations with stakeholders. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in an interview to PTI after the passing of the amended bill last week, said the change creates the balance needed to ensure a bigger competitive field of administrators. 'The decision to reduce the minimum prior term requirement for contesting federation elections was guided by the principle of broadening the pool of eligible and capable candidates, while still ensuring they have sufficient experience to serve effectively,' he reasoned. 'In consultations, several stakeholders, including athlete representatives and smaller federations, highlighted that overly restrictive eligibility rules tended to entrench incumbents and limit opportunities for fresh leadership,' Mandaviya pointed out. The relaxation ensures that current Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P T Usha and All India Football Federation chief Kalyan Chaubey will be able to seek a re-election if they decide. Both have served one term in the Executive Committees of their respective bodies. The revised provision also makes room for presidents, secretaries and treasurers in state bodies to stake claim for leadership roles in the NSFs, widening the scope of competition at election time. The Minister said reducing the minimum term requirement in the EC would ensure that a wider talent base is available without compromising on the principles of continuity and experience. 'In some cases, talented administrators and former athletes with strong governance potential were unable to contest simply because they had not served a full earlier term on the Executive Committee. 'The amendment strikes a balance by keeping an experience requirement to preserve continuity and institutional memory, but lowering the threshold so that federations can draw from a wider range of candidates, including younger administrators and athlete-leaders,' he said. ALSO READ | Balancing autonomy and reform key challenge for Sports Governance Bill 'This change is intended to encourage infusion of new perspectives, foster healthy competition in leadership contests, and reduce the concentration of power that often comes from closed eligibility rules,' he added. The sports bill, which had been waiting in the wings for over a decade, was passed after extensive consultations held over one year. It not just lays down governance criteria but also mandates the creation of a National Sports Tribunal for speedy dispute resolution. In addition, it also calls for the creation of a National Sports Election Panel to oversee NSF polls that are often mired in controversies.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
New sports bill lowers eligibility rule to one term in EC for NSF leadership aspirants
The Sports Ministry's amended National Sports Governance Bill, awaiting presidential approval, relaxes eligibility rules for top NSF positions, now requiring only one Executive Committee term instead of two. This change aims to encourage younger administrators and athlete-leaders by broadening the pool of eligible candidates. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Aspirants for the top positions in national federations will be required to serve just one term in the Executive Committee, instead of the "overly restrictive" eligibility rule of two terms prescribed earlier, as the Sports Ministry wants to encourage "younger administrators and athlete-leaders ".The National Sports Governance Bill , which was passed by the Parliament last week and now awaits the presidential assent to formally become an act, lays down the criteria for seeking election to the positions of President, Secretary and Treasurer in the National Sports Federations (NSFs).It originally mandated two terms in the Executive Committee for anyone aspiring for the top three posts. This provision has been relaxed through an amendment, making it a minimum of one term after consultations with stakeholders. Mansukh Mandaviya , in an interview to PTI after the passing of the amended bill last week, said the change creates the balance needed to ensure a bigger competitive field of administrators."The decision to reduce the minimum prior term requirement for contesting federation elections was guided by the principle of broadening the pool of eligible and capable candidates, while still ensuring they have sufficient experience to serve effectively," he reasoned."In consultations, several stakeholders, including athlete representatives and smaller federations, highlighted that overly restrictive eligibility rules tended to entrench incumbents and limit opportunities for fresh leadership," Mandaviya pointed relaxation ensures that current Indian Olympic Association IOA ) President P T Usha and All India Football Federation chief Kalyan Chaubey will be able to seek a re-election if they decide. Both have served one term in the Executive Committees of their respective revised provision also makes room for presidents, secretaries and treasurers in state bodies to stake claim for leadership roles in the NSFs, widening the scope of competition at election Minister said reducing the minimum term requirement in the EC would ensure that a wider talent base is available without compromising on the principles of continuity and experience."In some cases, talented administrators and former athletes with strong governance potential were unable to contest simply because they had not served a full earlier term on the Executive Committee."The amendment strikes a balance by keeping an experience requirement to preserve continuity and institutional memory, but lowering the threshold so that federations can draw from a wider range of candidates, including younger administrators and athlete-leaders," he said."This change is intended to encourage infusion of new perspectives, foster healthy competition in leadership contests, and reduce the concentration of power that often comes from closed eligibility rules," he sports bill, which had been waiting in the wings for over a decade, was passed after extensive consultations held over one not just lays down governance criteria but also mandates the creation of a National Sports Tribunal for speedy dispute resolution. In addition, it also calls for the creation of a National Sports Election Panel to oversee NSF polls that are often mired in controversy.
News18
10 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
New Sports Bill Lowers Eligibility Rule To Single Term In EC For NSF Leadership Aspirants
Last Updated: The National Sports Governance Bill specifies the criteria for seeking the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer in NSFs. Aspirants for the top positions in national federations will now be required to serve just one term in the Executive Committee, a change from the previous 'overly restrictive" rule of two terms. The Sports Ministry aims to encourage 'younger administrators and athlete-leaders." The National Sports Governance Bill, passed by Parliament last week and pending presidential assent, specifies the criteria for seeking the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer in National Sports Federations (NSFs). Initially, it mandated two terms in the Executive Committee for those aspiring for the top three posts. However, this provision was amended to require a minimum of one term after consultations with stakeholders. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in an interview with PTI following the bill's passage, stated that the amendment provides the needed balance to ensure a larger pool of competitive administrators. 'The decision to reduce the minimum prior term requirement for federation elections was guided by the principle of broadening the pool of eligible and capable candidates, while still ensuring they have sufficient experience to serve effectively," he explained. The relaxation allows current Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P T Usha and All India Football Federation chief Kalyan Chaubey to seek re-election if they choose. Both have served one term in the Executive Committees of their respective organisations. The revised provision also allows presidents, secretaries, and treasurers in state bodies to vie for leadership roles in the NSFs, broadening the competitive field during elections. The Minister stated that reducing the minimum term requirement in the EC would ensure a wider talent base is available without compromising principles of continuity and experience. 'In some cases, talented administrators and former athletes with strong governance potential were unable to contest because they had not served a full earlier term on the Executive Committee. The amendment strikes a balance by retaining an experience requirement to preserve continuity and institutional memory, but lowering the threshold so that federations can draw from a wider range of candidates, including younger administrators and athlete-leaders," he said. 'This change is intended to encourage new perspectives, foster healthy competition in leadership contests, and reduce the concentration of power that often comes from closed eligibility rules," he added. The sports bill, which had been pending for over a decade, was finally passed after extensive consultations over one year. It not only establishes governance criteria but also mandates the creation of a National Sports Tribunal for speedy dispute resolution. Additionally, it calls for the creation of a National Sports Election Panel to oversee NSF elections, which are often controversial. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 18, 2025, 13:03 IST News sports New Sports Bill Lowers Eligibility Rule To Single Term In EC For NSF Leadership Aspirants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
