shot-button
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > We are staring at permanent paralysis of Indian football Indian footballers on uncertain future of ISL

‘We are staring at permanent paralysis of Indian football’: Indian footballers on uncertain future of ISL

Updated on: 03 January,2026 10:03 AM IST  |  New Delhi
IANS |

The ISL has been on hold after the expiration of the Master’s Rights Agreement between AIFF and FSDL, the organisers of ISL

‘We are staring at permanent paralysis of Indian football’: Indian footballers on uncertain future of ISL

India and ISL star Sunil Chhetri. Pic/PTI

Listen to this article
‘We are staring at permanent paralysis of Indian football’: Indian footballers on uncertain future of ISL
x
00:00

With the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) in limbo, Indian footballers have urged the sport’s global governing body, FIFA, to step in and resolve the issue of the franchise-based tournament. 

Leading figures of Indian football, including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Sunil Chhetri, have publicly appealed to FIFA to step in amid the ongoing crisis facing the sport in the country.


Gurpreet Sandhu and Sandesh JhinganGurpreet Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan



“It’s January, and we should be on your screens as a part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League,” Gurpreet said in a video featuring other players, too. “Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know,” Jhingan added. “Players, staff, owners, and the fans deserve clarity, protection, and more importantly, a future,” Chhetri said.

“But more importantly, we are here to make a plea. The Indian football government is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at permanent paralysis. This is the last-ditch effort to save what we can. So we are calling on FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football. We hope this message gets to the powers that are in Zurich. This call is not political. The truth is that we are facing a humanitarian, sporting, and economic crisis. We just want to play football, please help us do it,” the other players said in the statement.

The ISL has been on hold after the expiration of the Master’s Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the organisers of ISL.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Sunil Chhetri isl all india football federation football sports news

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK