With the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) still uncertain, Indian footballers, alongside international stars, have called upon FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, to intervene and address the ongoing issues surrounding the franchise-based tournament.
Prominent figures in Indian football, such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Sunil Chhetri, have publicly appealed to FIFA amidst the crisis faced by the sport in the country.
“It’s January, and we should be on your screens as a part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League,” Gurpreet stated in a video featuring other players. “Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know,” added Jhingan. “Players, staff, owners, and the fans deserve clarity, protection, and more importantly, a future,” expressed Chhetri.
“We are here to make a plea. The Indian football government is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at permanent paralysis. This is the last-ditch effort to save what we can. So we are calling on FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football. We hope this message gets to the powers that are in Zurich. This call is not political; it is not driven by confrontation but by necessity. It might sound like a big word, but the truth is that we are facing a humanitarian, sporting, and economic crisis. And of course, we need rescuing at the earliest. We just want to play football, please help us do it,” the players stated.
On Thursday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) received letters from nearly all members of the ISL confirming their willingness to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season, contingent on satisfactory financial and governance assurances from the AIFF.
The member clubs of the ISL emphasized that their continued participation is conditional upon the AIFF confirming that there are no league Administration Fees and that it will accept full financial responsibility for operational costs arising due to reduced seasons.
Additionally, club members requested that the AIFF provide a clear, timed set of objectives outlining the development of the league’s financial and governance structure over time; they also urged the AIFF to seek funds from the government to support the league.
Earlier, City Football Group (CFG) divested its shareholding in Mumbai City FC, returning the ISL side to full control of its founding owners.
The acquisition of a 65% stake in Mumbai City FC in November 2019 by the Manchester City-owning conglomerate marked a significant milestone in ambition, professionalism, and the globalisation of the club, which achieved notable success during its six-year partnership with CFG.