LunagisthubGlobal Footballers’ Union Urges India to Revive Indian Super League
The global footballers’ union, FIFPRO, has called on Indian football authorities to urgently revive the Indian Super League (ISL), warning that escalating uncertainty surrounding the country’s top-tier competition is threatening the livelihoods of thousands of players and staff.
The ISL’s future is uncertain due to stalled negotiations between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to extend their rights agreement, which expires on December 8. Talks to renew the agreement ended abruptly after India’s Supreme Court directed the AIFF to pause the deal amid separate proceedings related to a new AIFF constitution .
The uncertainty has had a significant impact on the players’ livelihoods, careers, and well-being. Some players have been subjected to unilateral and unlawful suspensions of their employment contracts, leaving them in financial and professional uncertainty. Over 5,000 players, coaches, staff, and other stakeholders are affected, with three ISL clubs, including former champions Bengaluru FC, stopping salary payments due to lack of clarity over the tournament’s future .
The league’s fate hangs in the balance, with no revival plan in sight.
Unilateral contract suspensions and stopped salary payments are affecting players’ livelihoods.
Top club Mohun Bagan refused to release players for India’s training camp, accusing AIFF of negligence over player welfare.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has pressed the AIFF, FSDL, and club owners to confirm the ISL season schedule and establish a clear roadmap for the competition’s return. The union, along with the Football Players’ Association of India, has raised the matter with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, seeking international intervention to safeguard player right.
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