Eleven Indian Super League clubs (ISL) warned the All India (AIFF) football Federation that “It faces the real shutdown options completely unless the ongoing freeness of the future of the domestic competition will soon be resolved.
In a letter written by President AIFF Kalyan Chaubey clubs stated that the crisis resulting from the non -renewing agreement on the main rights (MRA) between the National Federation and the organizers of the Isl FSDL “crippled professional football in India”.
“Over the past 11 years, through permanent investments and coordinated efforts, clubs have built youth development systems, infrastructure training, community information programs and professional teams that increased Indian credibility of football at domestic and international and international,” the clubs wrote on Friday.
“This progress is now in the immediate risk of collapse. The current calm has caused immediate and serious consequences. After suspension of surgery and no certainty about the continuity of the league, several clubs face the real possibility of complete shutdown.”
The crisis emerged after the Limited Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the organizers of the ISL and the commercial partner of AIFF, July 11 due to the uncertainty of MRA’s renewal, the 2025-26 season or the salaries of players and employees suspended.
“The Isl 2025-26 season is at risk of not happening at all. It is not just an administrative blockage-it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the most significant circumstances,” they wrote.
“Trust carefully built with fans, sponsors, investors and international football bodies in the last decade will be irreparably damaged if the league stays in Limbo.”
The letter was signed by Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, Northeast United FC, Mumbai City FC and Mohamedan Sporting. Kolkata Heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not write a letter.
The letter with details of the risk of closing the club and the loss of livelihood and said: “More than 2000 direct living – players, coaches, medical staff, analysts, kits managers, landlords, administrative staff – hanging in balance.
“Clubs face the season where revenue from tickets, goods and other routes are reduced to zero. Potential sponsors have already begun to retreat and look at A scenario in which is Isl.
“It is a huge financial wound that the clubs will not recover and affect the salaries of players and employees in the near future, except that several parties are considering the complete and permanent closure of their relevant clubs.”
The clubs said that the dead end will also affect India’s readiness to international matches and says: “Without a functioning league, our national team will be seriously disadvantaged in the upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments.”
They also said that without ISL they would not be able to play a minimum number of competitive matches for participating in continental competitions, risk suspending Indian clubs from AFC tournaments.
“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) orders a minimum number of competitive matches to participate in continental competitions. Without ISL, this requirement cannot be met and exposed to India’s risk of suspending AFC and FIFA,” the clubs said.
“FIFPRO, a global union of players, has already approved the FIFA situation, increasing the likelihood of external control and possible sanctions.”
On Thursday AIFF agreed to mention the problem of raging before the Supreme Court on Monday. The Top Court reserved its judgment in the case of the AFF Constitution.
The decision to approval the SC crisis situation was taken after the session of the legal representatives of the clubs and AIFF. In fact, a reliable source stated that the AIFF is willing to file a written application if one asks for one.
“We fully appreciate that the related matters are the Supreme Court in front of Hon’ble.
“Human costs, threat of folding clubs, the risk of losing our place in AFC/FIFA competitions, and reputation damage to the Indian football image require an urgent action on our part.
“Therefore, we ask AFF as a regulator of Indian football to mention this matter on Monday 18 August 2025, and attach this letter to the unified concerns of all Isl clubs in front of Hon’ble Court.”
The clubs stated that they are ready to support AIFF in this case through their advice, even if there are no parties in front of SC.
“Immediate collective action is the only way to preserve the future of Indian football, protect the livelihood and protect the country’s position in the global football community. We are still determined to work with the AIFF to reach the resolution.”
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
August 16, 2025
