The international football players’ union FIFPRO on Tuesday voiced concern over the growing uncertainty surrounding Indian club football and urged all stakeholders to swiftly resolve the crisis that threatens the sport’s future in the country.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said professional club football in India “is going through a crisis” owing to doubts over the future of the country’s top-tier Indian Super League (ISL). The body appealed for a collective effort to stabilise the situation and safeguard players’ rights.
“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is deeply concerned by the escalating uncertainty in Indian professional football and calls for a swift resolution,” it said in a statement.
The turmoil stems from a July 11 decision by ISL organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to put the 2025-26 season “on hold” due to the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), signed with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 2010. Since then, 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 well-being,” the statement added.
It further noted that 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 said they have been in constant contact with ISL players and have raised the matter with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Last week, ISL clubs asked the AIFF to take the matter to the Supreme Court. On Sunday, the AIFF initially declared that it would press the case before the country’s highest court. However, the assurance was retracted later the same day, leaving stakeholders uncertain and frustrated.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urged the AIFF, FSDL and club owners to work closely 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.”
The warning comes after 11 ISL clubs cautioned the AIFF that they “face the real possibility of shutting down entirely” if the impasse is not resolved soon.
In a letter to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the clubs said the crisis stemming from the non-renewal of the MRA with FSDL has “paralysed professional football in India”.
FIFPRO concluded by stressing that it remains “committed to the full development” of Indian football, urging immediate action to protect players and ensure the long-term sustainability of the domestic game.
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