Indian Football in Crisis: ISL Suspended, Salaries Frozen, Clubs in Chaos

With the Indian Super League suspended indefinitely and legal hurdles looming large, Indian football faces one of its darkest moments since the sport’s professional restructuring.

Indian football is teetering on the edge of a major collapse, as the country’s premier football competition, the Indian Super League (ISL), has been suspended indefinitely by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The decision, prompted by unresolved legal, financial, and governance disputes, has sent shockwaves through players, clubs, sponsors, and fans across the country.

The crisis was triggered by the Supreme Court’s April 2025 directive, which forbade the AIFF from renewing or entering into any commercial agreement—especially the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL)—until a constitutional review of the federation is completed. With the MRA at the heart of ISL operations, the upcoming 2025–26 season has been left without a legal or financial framework, forcing a complete halt.

Financial Fallout and Player Uncertainty

The suspension has already hit clubs hard. Bengaluru FC was the first to make the crisis public, announcing an indefinite freeze on player salaries, including those of senior players like Sunil Chhetri. Several clubs, including Odisha FC, NorthEast United, and others, are reportedly mulling similar measures to contain operational losses in the absence of broadcast revenue and sponsorship payouts.

In total, more than 300 players and hundreds of support staff now face an uncertain future. Veteran defender Sandesh Jhingan has voiced concerns on behalf of the players, urging all parties to resolve the standoff quickly to protect livelihoods and the future of the sport.

City Football Group May Exit

In a major blow to Indian football’s credibility on the global stage, reports suggest that City Football Group (CFG)—the global entity behind Manchester City and a majority stakeholder in Mumbai City FC—is considering a withdrawal from Indian football. CFG’s possible exit stems from the league’s suspension and sustained financial losses, which would mark a significant retreat for foreign investment in Indian football.

Clubs, Fans, and Officials in Turmoil

The AIFF has convened multiple meetings with ISL club CEOs in an attempt to address the uncertainty. However, key clubs like Mohun Bagan SG have refused to participate, citing frustration over the federation’s lack of preparedness and vision.

Meanwhile, the I-League, India’s second-tier competition, is also facing neglect and delayed payments, further deepening the structural rot in the national football setup. The absence of a clear development plan, combined with growing disillusionment among fans, has led to fears that this could be the breaking point for Indian football.

Constitutional Crisis and Road Ahead

At the heart of the crisis lies a constitutional deadlock. The Supreme Court is currently examining the validity and structure of AIFF’s governance, and until a verdict is delivered, no legal commercial activity involving FSDL or any private entity can resume.

FSDL, which has bankrolled the ISL since its inception in 2014, has also taken a step back, with sources suggesting they may no longer be willing to carry the financial burden of a league without legal or broadcast clarity.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has urged all stakeholders to remain patient, insisting that the federation is working toward a solution. However, critics argue that poor planning and the lack of transparency over the last few years have led to this avoidable crisis.

A Dream Deferred?

Indian football’s bold Vision 2047 roadmap, which aimed to make India a top-25 footballing nation globally, now seems to be hanging by a thread. Without immediate intervention from legal, administrative, and commercial stakeholders, the sport risks losing all the progress made over the past decade.

As things stand, there is no official timeline for the Supreme Court’s verdict or a possible reinstatement of the ISL. The silence from broadcasters and sponsors adds another layer of uncertainty. For now, India’s footballing future remains in limbo, with players unpaid, clubs unstable, and dreams on pause.