New Delhi, Aug 19: International soccer players’ union FIFPRO on Tuesday expressed concerns over the growing uncertainty in Indian club football and called for a swift resolution to the crisis that threatens the game’s future in the country.
Club football “is going through crisis” due to the uncertainty over the future of the country’s top-tier Indian Super League and the players body urged the stakeholders to put in a collective effort to tide over the crisis.
“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is deeply concerned by the escalating uncertainty in Indian professional football and calls for a swift resolution,” FIFPRO said in a statement.Following the July 11 decision of ISL organisers FSDL (Football Sports development Limited) to put the 2025-26 season “on hold” due to the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) signed with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 2010, three clubs have either paused first-team operations or suspended salaries of first-team players and staff.
“The lack of clarity for players over the 2025/26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, arising from a dispute over the league’s organisation and governance that has led to its indefinite suspension, is having a significant impact on their livelihoods, careers, and wellbeing.”
It added in the statement, “the players have been subjected to unilateral and unlawful suspensions of their employment contracts until further notice. These actions represent a direct breach of the players’ labour rights and are causing significant distress.“The Football Players Association of India (FPAI) and FIFPRO have been in constant contact with players across the ISL and have raised the matter with FIFA and the AFC on their behalf.”
The ISL clubs last week told the AIFF that it should take the matter to the Supreme Court.The FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urged the AIFF, FSDL and club owners to work collaboratively with the FPAI to “confirm the ISL season schedule and establish a clear road map for the season to commence; and ensure clubs continue to meet all contractual obligations to players.” On Sunday, the AIFF declared it would press the ISL matter before the country’s highest court. (PTI)
