FIFPRO urges AIFF, FSDL, clubs to resolve ISL crisis

The lack of clarity over the conduct of the Indian Super League (ISL) has reached the International Soccer Players’ Union, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, which voiced serious concern over the “escalating uncertainty” in Indian professional football and called for a “swift resolution.”

India’s top-tier domestic football competition, the Indian Super League (ISL) remains suspended indefinitely, with no start date announced, due to the impasse over the Master Rights Agreement with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The deadlock has already forced some clubs to halt their footballing operations, leading to the suspension of first-team activities across the league.

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“The lack of clarity for players over the 2025/26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, arising from a dispute over the league’s organisation and governance that has led to its indefinite suspension, is having a significant impact on their livelihoods, careers, and wellbeing. Players have been subjected to unilateral and unlawful suspensions of their employment contracts until further notice. These actions represent a direct breach of the players’ labour rights and are causing significant distress,” FIFPRO said in a statement.

The players’ body added that the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) and FIFPRO have been in constant communication with ISL players and have raised the issue with FIFA and the AFC.

It urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF), FSDL, and club owners to cooperate in creating a clear road map for the resumption of the ISL season.

“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urges the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and club owners to work collaboratively with the FPAI to confirm the ISL season schedule and establish a clear road map for the season to commence; and ensure clubs continue to meet all contractual obligations to players,” it added.

Earlier this month, the AIFF held a meeting with club CEOs in the national capital to address the situation. Following the discussions, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey assured that the ISL would take place this year but stopped short of giving details, while refraining to comment on clubs suspending their first-team operations.

“The ISL will be held this year. There is no doubt about that at the same time, it’s the club’s decision to pay their players or staff. We can’t intervene – that’s how all top leagues operate. We are anticipating the Super Cup to take place in the second or third week of September. Some teams need six to eight weeks to complete their preparations and bring back players. In our next meeting, we’ll announce the kick-off date,” Chaubey told reporters.