Indian Footballers Urge FIFA to Rescue ISL Amid Crisis
Players Call for FIFA Intervention
Prominent figures in Indian football, such as Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Rahul Bheke, have united to appeal to FIFA for assistance in saving the Indian Super League (ISL) and the future of national football, which is currently facing a crisis due to the suspension of the season.
Current Turmoil in Indian Football
The Indian football landscape is experiencing one of its most challenging periods, characterized by administrative chaos, financial difficulties, and the suspension of the domestic season. This turmoil began when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) failed to secure a commercial partner and renew the Master Rights Agreement for the ISL, leading to the indefinite suspension of the 2025-26 season.
Impact of the Ongoing Crisis
The crisis, which started in late 2024 and escalated throughout 2025, has significant implications for players and clubs involved in the ISL, jeopardizing the future of professional football in India.
Governance Issues in Indian Football
As the crisis continues, Indian footballers have taken the initiative to reach out to FIFA for intervention. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shared a video on social media, expressing that players were meant to participate in the now-suspended ISL 2025-26 season.
Other players criticized the AIFF for failing to address the crisis and urged FIFA to step in to protect the future of Indian football.
In their video, they stated, "It's January, and we should be competing in the Indian Super League. Instead, we are here, filled with fear and desperation. We are making a plea for help."
They emphasized that the governance of Indian football is failing to meet its obligations, leading to a potential permanent halt in the sport. They called on FIFA to take necessary actions to save Indian football.
Players Stress the Urgency of the Situation
The players clarified that their appeal to FIFA is not politically motivated but rather a response to a pressing humanitarian, sporting, and economic crisis. Sunil Chhetri highlighted the need for clarity regarding contracts and salaries for players and staff.
He stated, "We hope this message reaches those in Zurich. This is not a political issue; it is a necessity. We are facing a crisis that requires urgent attention."
The players concluded their message by expressing their desire to play football and asking for assistance.
Reactions from Fans
The video shared by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu resonated with fans on social media, who expressed their support for the players during this challenging time.
Many fans voiced their heartbreak over the situation, while others praised the players for holding the AIFF accountable for the current state of Indian football.
Current Status of the ISL
The 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League remains uncertain as the AIFF has given clubs a deadline to confirm their participation and accept a proposed format.
However, 13 out of 14 clubs have responded with demands, including no participation fees and financial guarantees, indicating a lack of confidence and stalled planning for the upcoming season.