India legend Sunil Chhetri, along with key players Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan, spoke out to protect Indian football during the uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League.
The ISL was halted in July due to questions about renewing the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the event organizers. This deadlock continues as the AIFF lacks a commercial partner. Both Indian and foreign footballers have expressed their worries again. They have called on FIFA to step in and help save Indian football.
Footballers appeal to FIFA to save Indian football
The address began with goalkeeper Gurpreet noting that the ISL remains on hold. “It’s January, and we should be on your screens as part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League,” Gurpreet said.
“Instead, we are driven by fear and desperation to speak up about something everyone knows,” Jhingan added. “Players, staff, owners, and fans deserve clarity, protection, and, more importantly, a future,” Chhetri stated.
“But we are here to make a plea. The governing body of Indian football can no longer meet its responsibilities. We are facing permanent paralysis. This is our last chance to save what we can. Therefore, we are urging FIFA to take action and save Indian football.”
ISL clubs demand no participation fee for the restart
In the latest development, 13 of the 14 ISL clubs informed the AIFF that they “may be ready and willing” to take part in the postponed 2025-26 season if there is no participation fee, and the national body covers the financial costs of organizing and running the shortened competition.
Additionally, the clubs asked the national federation to provide “a clear, time-bound roadmap for executing the long-term plan, including specific timelines for appointing a commercial partner and/or broadcaster, finalizing the league’s revenue, governance, risk-sharing framework, and transitioning to a financially self-sustaining competition model that meets statutory governance standards.”
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