The global footballers’ union, FIFPRO, has called on Indian football authorities to urgently revive the Indian Super League (ISL), warning that escalating uncertainty surrounding the country’s top-tier competition is threatening the livelihoods of thousands of players and staff. The league, usually contested between September and April, remains in limbo as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL)—the company that manages the ISL—have yet to reach a renewal agreement on their long-standing rights deal, which expires on December 8.
In a statement released on Tuesday, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania expressed deep concern that the unresolved impasse was having a “significant impact” on the careers and well-being of professional footballers in India. The union revealed that several players had been subjected to “unilateral and unlawful suspensions” of their contracts, leaving them in financial and professional uncertainty. It urged the AIFF, FSDL, and club owners to immediately confirm the ISL season schedule and establish a clear roadmap for the competition’s return.
The crisis stems from stalled negotiations to extend the 2010 agreement between AIFF and FSDL after India’s Supreme Court directed the federation to pause the deal amid separate proceedings related to a new AIFF constitution. As a result, the league has been paralysed, with over 5,000 players, coaches, club staff, and stakeholders affected. The Football Players’ Association of India, working with FIFPRO, has escalated the matter to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, urging international intervention to safeguard player rights.
The fallout has already begun to disrupt Indian football. Top club Mohun Bagan recently refused to release its players for the national team’s training camp ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup, accusing the AIFF of negligence in handling player welfare. Meanwhile, at least three clubs, including former ISL champions Bengaluru FC, have halted salary payments to their players and staff, citing uncertainty over the competition’s future.
The crisis comes at a time of mounting challenges for Indian football. The men’s national team, now under newly appointed coach and former midfielder Khalid Jamil, has slipped to 133rd in the FIFA world rankings—its lowest standing in nearly a decade. FIFPRO insists that only decisive action to restore clarity over the ISL can protect players’ careers and prevent further damage to the sport’s credibility in the country.
