Fifpro calls for road map to start of crisis-hit Indian Super League season


   World players’ union Fifpro has pressed for urgent action to end the crisis paralysing Indian domestic football as the Indian Super League (ISL) remains on hold.

The Indian top flight had been scheduled to kick off in September, but the ISL remains suspended after negotiations between the Indian FA (AIFF) and its commercial partner, the Football Sports Development Ltd (FDSL), stalled. At the same time, a Supreme Court ruling is pending over the validity of the AIFF constitution.

In a statement on Tuesday, Fifpro Asia/Oceania said: “The lack of clarity for players over the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, arising from a dispute over the league’s organization and governance that has led to its indefinite suspension, is having a significant impact on their livelihoods, careers, and well-being.”

“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.”

Earlier this month, Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC suspended salaries or ceased operations until a solution to the crisis is reached. Odisha-owner Rohit Sharma said he was left with little choice but to take drastic action as the club can’t plan for the new season or generate any commercial deals.

The agreement, signed in 2010, granted FSDL exclusive commercial rights to the ISL for 15 years. This included sale of sponsorships and broadcast rights as well as management of the league. In return the FSDL guaranteed AIFF an annual fee of $5.1 million. The deal runs out in December.

The Supreme Court, Indian media report, will hear pleas this week in a development that could pave the way for a solution.

Fifpro Asia/Oceania urged the stakeholders 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.”

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