Global Footballers’ Union Urges India to Save Top-Tier League Amid Rising Uncertainty

TDT | Manama

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The international footballers’ union has called on India to act quickly to revive the Indian Super League (ISL), warning that the growing uncertainty is threatening the livelihoods of players and staff across the country.

The ISL, India’s premier football competition that usually runs from September to April, faces an uncertain future. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has yet to present a plan to restart the league. A key rights agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the company that operates the ISL, is set to expire on December 8 and has not been renewed, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, the region’s professional footballers’ union, expressed deep concern over the situation. “The uncertainty surrounding the league is having a significant impact on players’ livelihoods, careers, and wellbeing,” the organization said, adding that many players have faced sudden suspensions of their contracts without notice.

The union has urged the AIFF, FSDL, and club owners to confirm the ISL season schedule and provide a clear roadmap for the tournament to start.

The league’s troubles follow the abrupt end of talks to renew a 2010 agreement after India’s Supreme Court asked the AIFF to hold off due to a separate case involving the federation’s new constitution. Since then, over 5,000 players, coaches, staff, and other stakeholders have been affected by the uncertainty.

Together with the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI), FIFPRO has raised the issue with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.

The disruption has already caused practical issues. Top club Mohun Bagan recently refused to release its players for India’s national team training camp ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup this month, accusing the AIFF of neglecting player welfare. Meanwhile, three ISL clubs, including former champions Bengaluru FC, have stopped paying salaries to players and staff, citing the unclear future of the league.

Adding to the challenges, former India midfielder Khalid Jamil has been appointed as the national team’s coach this month, as India’s FIFA ranking drops to 133rd — the lowest in nearly a decade.