All players and support staff at FC Goa have agreed to take salary reductions for the upcoming Indian Super League season. This decision includes India's national team captain Sandesh Jhingan. The 2025-26 ISL season begins on February 14.
Club Announces Voluntary Salary Reductions
FC Goa released an official statement confirming the salary cuts. The club described this move as an act of selflessness during a period of uncertainty for Indian football. Players and technical staff made this decision voluntarily after honest discussions about current challenges.
Unity During Difficult Times
The club expressed pride in their team's response to financial pressures. "In a moment of real uncertainty for Indian football, our club had honest and difficult conversations about the challenges we are facing," FC Goa stated. "What followed was something that made us incredibly proud."
FC Goa emphasized that this gesture demonstrates the character and collective spirit within their organization. The club noted that their identity extends beyond on-field performances and achievements.
Financial Background of ISL Challenges
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing financial struggles for ISL clubs. These difficulties stem from the termination of the Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and its former commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited in December.
The termination created a waiting period of nearly six months for the league. Following intervention from Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and negotiations with teams, all fourteen ISL clubs will participate in the upcoming season.
New League Structure and Format
The 2025-26 ISL season will feature 91 matches played in a home-and-away format. Each team will play thirteen matches throughout the season.
Under the new structure, clubs will collectively shoulder sixty percent of the league's operating expenses. These expenses are estimated at twenty-five crore rupees.
AFC Qualification Changes
The Asian Football Confederation has waived the mandatory match eligibility criterion for AFC Champions League 2 qualification. However, ISL league champions will no longer receive automatic qualification for the group stage.
FC Goa will participate in the AFC Champions League 2 as Super Cup winners. The squad includes several India internationals alongside Sandesh Jhingan, such as Udanta Singh and Boris Singh.
The club expressed gratitude for the salary reduction agreement, acknowledging that this decision was not easy for anyone involved. This collective action highlights the unity within FC Goa during a challenging period for Indian football.
