# ISL Players Jointly Appeal to FIFA as Future Remains Uncertain

URL: https://technosports.co.in/isl-players-jointly-appeal-to-fifa-as-future/  
Published: 2026-01-03  
Updated: 2026-01-03  
Author: Ankush Mallick

It is January 2026, but the future of the [Indian Super League](https://www.indiansuperleague.com/) remains uncertain. The ISL, India’s top-division football competition, has been on hold since July 2025 due to unresolved contractual issues between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited. This unprecedented crisis has put the livelihoods of thousands at stake and prompted players to make a desperate appeal to FIFA.

## Players’ Video Appeal to FIFA

Former Indian captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shared a video on Instagram on January 2, 2026, where players from different ISL teams jointly appealed to FIFA to intervene and save Indian football. The video featured prominent Indian footballers including Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, along with foreign players like North East United FC captain Michael Zabaco and Odisha FC midfielder Hugo Boumous.

> . [@FIFAcom](https://twitter.com/FIFAcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@FIFPRO](https://twitter.com/FIFPRO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@FIFPROAsiaOce](https://twitter.com/FIFPROAsiaOce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@FPAI](https://twitter.com/FPAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/urNqYfmVcH](https://t.co/urNqYfmVcH)
>
> — Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) [January 2, 2026](https://twitter.com/GurpreetGK/status/2007083592854405530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

In the emotional video, Gurpreet highlighted that instead of being on screens playing competitive football in the ISL, players are driven by fear and desperation. The appeal described the situation as a humanitarian, sporting aid and economic crisis requiring immediate rescue.

### Key Players Featured in FIFA Appeal

| Player | Position | Club | Nationality |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gurpreet Singh Sandhu | Goalkeeper | Bengaluru FC | India |
| Sunil Chhetri | Forward | Bengaluru FC | India |
| Sandesh Jhingan | Defender | Mohun Bagan | India |
| Michael Zabaco | Defender | North East United | Foreign |
| Hugo Boumous | Midfielder | Odisha FC | Foreign |

The players stated that the Indian football governing body is no longer able to fulfill its responsibilities and they are now staring at permanent paralysis. They emphasized that this is a last-ditch effort to save what remains of Indian football.

## The Content of the Appeal

The video message was direct and urgent. Players emphasized that their call to FIFA is not political and not driven by confrontation, but by necessity. They described facing a humanitarian, sporting aid and economic crisis that requires immediate intervention.

The players stated that FIFA needs to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football. They expressed hope that the message reaches the powers in Zurich, emphasizing that players, staff, owners and fans deserve clarity, protection and most importantly, a future.

The appeal concluded with a simple plea that captures the essence of the crisis facing Indian football. The players stated they just want to play football and asked FIFA to help them do it.

## Root Cause: Master Rights Agreement Expiry

The ISL crisis stems from the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited. The MRA, signed in 2010, gave FSDL exclusive commercial and operational rights to run the ISL for 15 years and was scheduled to expire on December 8, 2025.

![ISL](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FSDL-1024x644.webp)

In July 2025, FSDL formally informed ISL clubs and the AIFF that the 2025-26 season was on hold due to unresolved contractual issues. The organization stated it was not in a position to proceed with the season until clarity emerged on the contractual structure beyond the current MRA term.

FSDL proposed a restructured governance model where a holding company would be formed, jointly owned by ISL clubs with 60 percent equity, FSDL with 26 percent, and AIFF with 14 percent. However, negotiations between the parties have remained inconclusive.

## Impact on Clubs and Players

The uncertainty has severely impacted ISL clubs and players. Several clubs including FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, and Hyderabad FC postponed their pre-season preparations and withdrew from the Durand Cup 2025.

City Football Group has exited from ownership of Mumbai City FC amid the crisis. Foreign players including Javi Hernandez, Diego Mauricio and Javi Siverio have left India, terminating their contracts with ISL clubs due to the uncertain situation.

### ISL Clubs Affected by Crisis

| Club | Impact |
| --- | --- |
| Mumbai City FC | City Football Group exited ownership |
| Hyderabad FC | Relocated to Delhi, rebranded as Sporting Club Delhi |
| FC Goa | Withdrew from Durand Cup, uncertain AFC participation |
| Multiple Clubs | Foreign players terminated contracts |
| All Clubs | Pre-season preparations postponed |

The livelihoods of players, masseurs, physiotherapists, coaches, and numerous other people associated with Indian football are at stake. Many professionals who depend on the ISL for their income face an uncertain future.

## Recent Developments and Club Demands

On December 28, 2025, the AIFF held a meeting with ISL clubs to discuss the future of the season. The meeting addressed payment structures, venues, and logistics but failed to produce a clear resolution.

Following the meeting, 13 of the 14 ISL clubs sent a letter to the AIFF on January 1, 2026, stating they may be ready and willing to participate in the delayed 2025-26 season under specific conditions. The clubs demanded no participation fee for the truncated season and insisted that the AIFF take financial responsibility for organizational and operational costs.

The clubs requested written confirmation from the AIFF on several critical matters. They sought a clear, time-bound roadmap for execution of the long-term plan, including defined timelines for appointment of a commercial partner and broadcaster. The clubs also asked for clarification on the league’s revenue, governance, and risk-sharing framework.

Additionally, ISL clubs urged the AIFF to actively seek commercial or institutional support from the Government of India to minimize costs and make the 2025-26 season sustainable. The clubs emphasized their demands align with the National Sports Governance Act principles.

## Proposed Format and Venues

The ISL 2025-26 season, if it proceeds, will feature significant changes from previous editions. Due to logistical issues and lack of time, the league will be held across two or three centralized venues rather than the traditional home-and-away format.

Kolkata and Goa emerged as firm favorites to host the ISL this season. Kerala was initially in consideration but fell behind due to its lack of adequate training facilities. The centralized format represents a major departure from the league’s traditional structure.

### Proposed ISL 2025-26 Format Changes

| Aspect | Traditional Format | Proposed 2025-26 Format |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Venues | Home and Away | 2-3 Centralized Venues |
| Matches per Team | 20+ | Approximately 15 |
| Season Duration | September to April | Truncated (TBD) |
| Participation Fee | Rs 1 crore | Waived (clubs demand) |

The truncated format would result in teams playing approximately 15 matches maximum, significantly fewer than the typical season. This reduction creates complications for AFC Champions League eligibility.

## AFC Champions League Eligibility Crisis

A major concern arising from the truncated ISL season is compliance with Asian Football Confederation regulations. AFC rules require clubs to play a minimum of 24 domestic league matches in a season to be eligible for AFC Champions League 2 participation.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ISL-Pleades-to-FIFA-1024x644.jpg)

The proposed format with only 15 matches maximum breaches this key AFC requirement, jeopardizing Indian clubs’ eligibility for continental tournaments in the following season. FC Goa qualified for the AFC Champions League Two playoffs by winning the 2025-26 Super Cup, while the ISL Shield winner is supposed to qualify directly for group stages.

The AIFF submitted a request to the AFC seeking consideration for India’s two AFC Champions League 2 spots, citing the current extraordinary circumstances. However, there has been no confirmation whether the AFC will grant special exemption for Indian clubs.

ISL clubs urged the AIFF to request a one-time relaxation from the AFC on the minimum 24-match requirement. The uncertainty over continental participation adds another layer of concern for clubs planning their futures.

## Financial Uncertainties

With no commercial partner in place following the MRA expiry, ISL faces significant financial uncertainties. The clubs sought clarity from the AIFF on who will bear the immediate expenses required to conduct the season.

According to reports, conducting the ISL even in truncated format requires approximately Rs 70 crore for immediate proceedings. Clubs have demanded that the AIFF assume this financial responsibility as the rights holder and competition organizer in the absence of a commercial partner.

The clubs argued that with a truncated format and uncertainty over revenue streams, any participation fee would be disproportionate and contrary to principles of financial prudence outlined in the National Sports Governance Act. They insisted that league-level costs should be borne by the AIFF, with clubs meeting only their team-related and routine operational expenses.

The financial model for broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and revenue distribution remains unclear. Without these fundamentals in place, clubs face the prospect of participating in a season with no guaranteed income, creating unsustainable financial exposure.

## Impact on Other Indian Football Competitions

The ISL crisis has cascading effects on other Indian football competitions. The second division leagues including I-League and I-League 2 are also on pause, creating uncertainty throughout India’s football pyramid.

This situation puts dreams and ambitions of millions of young budding footballers at risk. Players who chose football as their profession now face uncertain career prospects with the entire domestic football structure effectively paralyzed.

Indian outfit FC Goa’s performance in AFC Champions League 2 reflected the impact of lack of competitive matches. Despite defeating Omani outfit Al Seeb in qualifiers, FC Goa failed to earn a single point in the group stage, with minimal game time affecting player sharpness and team cohesion.

## Government and Legal Dimensions

The Supreme Court of India has played a role in the current impasse. Following a Supreme Court directive, the AIFF was asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with FSDL until final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.

In August 2025, the Supreme Court instructed AIFF and FSDL to meet and submit a roadmap for the league’s future. The court-mandated process added layers of complexity to already difficult negotiations between the parties.

The AIFF is required to submit outcomes of meetings with ISL clubs to the Sports Ministry. This government oversight reflects the seriousness with which authorities view the football crisis and its potential impact on India’s sporting landscape.

Clubs have called for government intervention, urging the AIFF to seek support from the Government of India to help manage the transitional phase. They noted that government facilitation should align with National Sports Governance Act objectives in preserving institutional stability and sporting integrity.

## Historical Context

The ISL was launched in 2014 with backing from Reliance Industries through FSDL. The league transformed from a two-month exhibition tournament into India’s recognized top-tier football competition. In 2019, ISL was granted premier league status in India, with I-League relegated to second division.

The league’s growth over its first decade appeared promising, attracting international stars and raising the profile of Indian football. The current crisis represents the most serious challenge to the ISL since its inception, threatening to unravel years of development.

Former India player Bhaichung Bhutia traced the current problems to FIFA’s suspension of the AIFF in 2022. He noted that rushed elections to lift the suspension and delays in finalizing the AIFF constitution created timing issues that contributed to the present crisis.

## What Players Are Saying

The video appeal represents unprecedented collective action by ISL players. The involvement of legends like Sunil Chhetri alongside current stars and foreign players demonstrates the gravity of the situation and unity across the football community.

Players emphasized they are not seeking confrontation but rescue. Their appeal stressed that speaking out was driven by necessity rather than politics, reflecting genuine concern for the future of their profession and Indian football.

The emotional nature of the appeal, with players describing fear and desperation, highlights the human cost of administrative and contractual failures. These are professional athletes who simply want to practice their profession but find themselves trapped in circumstances beyond their control.

## Empty Stadiums Tell the Story

Perhaps the most visible symbol of the crisis is empty stadiums across India. Venues that should be hosting passionate crowds watching competitive football instead sit silent. The absence of matches has left fans disappointed and disconnected from the sport they love.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ISL-2-1024x575.jpg)

The crisis extends beyond elite players to affect the broader football ecosystem in India. Youth development programs, grassroots initiatives, and the pipeline of talent that feeds into professional football all suffer when the top division is paralyzed.

Read More: [Adrian Luna to Spend 2025-26 Season on Overseas Loan as ISL Uncertainty Forces Kerala Blasters Captain’s Exit](https://technosports.co.in/kerala-blasters-adrian-luna-2025-26-season-loan/)

## FAQs

### Why is the ISL 2025-26 season on hold?

The ISL season is on hold due to expiry of the Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited in December 2025, with parties unable to agree on new terms.

### What are the players appealing to FIFA for?

ISL players have appealed to FIFA to intervene and save Indian football, describing the situation as a humanitarian, sporting aid and economic crisis. They want FIFA to step in and help resolve the contractual deadlock.

### What format is proposed for ISL 2025-26 if it proceeds?

The proposed format features a truncated season at 2-3 centralized venues instead of traditional home-and-away matches, with teams playing approximately 15 matches maximum instead of the usual 20+.

### How does this affect India’s AFC Champions League participation?

The truncated format with only 15 matches breaches AFC’s requirement of 24 domestic matches minimum for continental eligibility. The AIFF has requested special consideration from the AFC citing extraordinary circumstances.

### Which prominent players were featured in the FIFA appeal video?

The video featured Indian football legends Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan, along with foreign players including North East United FC captain Michael Zabaco and Odisha FC midfielder Hugo Boumous.