Indian Football in Crisis as AIFF Plans Talks with ISL Clubs and Bengaluru FC Halts Player Salaries

Indian football is going through a period of deep uncertainty. The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) hangs in the balance, prompting eight ISL clubs to jointly request a meeting with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The clubs stated that the lack of clear communication or direction from the federation has made financial and operational planning extremely difficult.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured that an official meeting will be held soon. He acknowledged that ISL clubs are not only participants in the league but also play a crucial role in infrastructure development and player welfare in Indian football.

Meanwhile, the biggest shock came from Bengaluru FC. Facing financial strain, the club has suspended salaries for its first team players and support staff indefinitely. This includes Indian football’s poster boy and club captain Sunil Chhetri. Bengaluru FC said the ongoing uncertainty and financial pressure forced them to make this difficult decision.

Sunil Chhetri also voiced his concern publicly, calling the situation mentally distressing for everyone involved. He urged players, staff, and fans to remain calm and united during these challenging times. “Everybody is worried, hurt, and scared, but we must stay together and patient,” he said.

The ISL 2025–26 season remains on hold due to complications surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between AIFF and FSDL, compounded by directives from the Supreme Court. FSDL had proposed a new structure involving a holding company where clubs would have ownership stakes, but legal hurdles have stalled the discussions.

Indian football is in a critical phase. Players, clubs, and fans now await the outcome of the upcoming AIFF club meeting, which will likely determine the immediate future of the ISL.