Indian football is facing a major crisis, with the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season delayed for over three months and no new bidders coming forward. The I-League and I-League 2 are also on hold, leaving players, staff, and clubs in uncertainty.
A CEO of an ISL club revealed that even foreign coaches are frustrated by the delays, as clubs cannot offer opportunities to resume work. “Indian football has failed many of its stakeholders,” he said.
The 13 ISL clubs, which invest around Rs. 650 crore annually, are under severe financial strain. Rising costs, halted revenue streams, and stalled seasons threaten club operations. Clubs’ academies, which train young players, could also be affected, potentially discouraging the next generation from pursuing football.
Professional players across ISL and lower leagues are sitting idle, with long-term career impacts likely. The expiry of the Master Rights Agreement has cut off key revenue, making continued operations almost impossible, according to Mohun Bagan Super Giant director Vinay Chopra.
Efforts to resolve the crisis have involved the Supreme Court and the sports ministry, but progress has been slow. Friction between the AIFF and clubs continues, leaving Indian football in a precarious position.
If the situation persists, some clubs may shut down, risking major setback for the growth of professional football in India.
