India defender Sandesh Jhingan on Tuesday appealed to football authorities to resolve the ongoing impasse over the Indian Super League (ISL) season, saying players are now “desperate” to get back on the field and want the league to start “immediately”. The national team centre-back, who also represents FC Goa at the club level, released a statement on social media saying that ISL footballers are united in their quest to start the country’s top competition without further delay.
Jhingan’s report comes amid growing uncertainty after The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced last week that it had not received any offer for commercial rights to the ISL, adding to concerns about the league’s already postponed season. These developments have left Indian domestic football in disarray, with clubs unclear on schedules, financial mechanisms, broadcasting arrangements and operational planning.
The delay has already had a ripple effect in several clubs. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning ISL champions, have suspended all football activities indefinitely citing uncertainty over the future of the season. The Kolkata club also said it will review the contracts of its players and coaches next month if the situation does not improve. Other clubs are watching the situation closely as financial and training uncertainties continue to mount.
The commercial partner for ISL was expected to drive match production, provide a minimum of 11 broadcast cameras at venues, oversee league marketing, media rights sales and core investments. Seventy percent of the projected core investment was to be split between ISL clubs and the rest to teams in the I-League. The absence of a confirmed partner now threatens the league’s operational framework and schedules.
Jhingan said in a statement that the frustration and disappointment among the players has now turned into a desperation to return to the sport they love in front of the supporters and families who have stood by them. He emphasized that the players have remained committed and professional despite the uncertainty and are ready to enter the field “the moment they get the green light.”
“This is a plea to all those involved in the running of our sport in the country to do whatever it takes to start the football season,” Jhingan said. “India needs its competitive football now more than ever. All we ask of those who run our beautiful game is to match our desperation with honest intent. We have been in a very dark tunnel for a long time. We can do with a little light.”
Further league discussions and decisions are expected in the coming days.
FULL DISCLOSURE
We, the professional footballers who play the Indian Super League, are coming together to plead and more importantly to send a message that we are united in our efforts to start the Indian Super League season. Simply put, we want to play now.
Our anger, frustration and anxiety have now been replaced by despair. The desperation of playing the game we love in front of the people who mean everything to us – our families, our fans.
This is a plea to all those involved in the running of our sport in the country to do everything possible to get the football season underway. India needs its competitive football now more than ever.
As for us, we remain committed, professional and ready to get out of that tunnel and onto the field as soon as we’re told we can. All we ask of those who run our beautiful game is to match ours
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 11, 2025
