In an unprecedented and emotional move, India's leading footballers have united to make a direct appeal to FIFA, the sport's global governing body, urging it to intervene in the deepening crisis surrounding the suspended Indian Super League (ISL).
A Desperate Plea from the Players
The appeal, made through a joint video message, features iconic figures of Indian football such as captain Sunil Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and defender Sandhesh Jhingan. They are joined by several foreign stars who ply their trade in the ISL. The players expressed that the indefinite delay of the 2025–26 ISL season has plunged their careers and the sport into profound fear and uncertainty.
"It's January and we should be on your screens as a part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League," stated Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the video. Sandesh Jhingan added a somber note, "Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know."
Governance Failure and Fear of Paralysis
The core of their message is a stark indictment of the current state of football governance in the country. The players explicitly stated that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is no longer capable of managing the crisis or safeguarding the future of the sport in India.
"We are here to make a plea. Indian football governance is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at a permanent paralysis," the players asserted. They described their public appeal as a last-ditch effort to salvage the situation, directly calling on FIFA to step in and restore stability. They emphasized that their call is not politically motivated but born out of sheer necessity, highlighting a "humanitarian, sporting and economic crisis."
Sunil Chhetri concluded the appeal by underscoring the widespread impact, stating, "Players, staff, owners and the fans deserve clarity, protection and more importantly, a future."
Root of the Crisis and Mounting Problems
The crisis stems from the suspension of the league since July, triggered by uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). This crucial deal expired in December, leading to legal complications and the involvement of the Supreme Court. A subsequent fresh tender for the ISL's commercial rights also failed to attract any bidders.
The prolonged delay has severe consequences:
- Financial Strain: Clubs are facing acute financial pressure and issues with player contracts.
- Survival Threat: Thirteen of the fourteen ISL clubs have informed the AIFF that they can only participate if the participation fee is waived and the federation covers operational costs.
- Asian Football Dreams Dashed: The delay jeopardizes clubs' eligibility for the AFC Champions League 2, as they may fail to meet the minimum match requirement.
The unified voice of India's footballers marks a critical moment, signaling that patience has run out and that external intervention from FIFA is now seen as the only viable path to rescue Indian football from an impending standstill.
