Chennaiyin FC suspends operations amid growing ISL uncertainty
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New Delhi: Indian football plunged deeper into crisis on Wednesday as two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC announced the suspension of all club operations due to the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the league’s future. The development comes just days after Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC halted salary payments to their first-team players and staff, raising alarm across the domestic football landscape.
Chennaiyin FC confirmed its decision on social media, stating: “In light of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of the ISL, Chennaiyin FC has taken the extremely difficult decision to temporarily pause club operations.” The club said the move was made after "thoughtful consideration and careful deliberation" and emphasised its continued concern for the well-being of players, coaches, staff, and their families.
“This is not a step we take lightly. It affects people we care about deeply… We hope that this pause will be short-lived and that we can return to doing what we love as soon as there is clarity for all clubs,” the statement read.
Despite the timing, Chennaiyin FC is unlikely to participate in Thursday's crucial meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) leadership and eight ISL clubs, as it is not among the signatories that requested the dialogue.
The club reaffirmed its commitment to the sport, stating, “Our commitment to the growth of Indian football, upon which this journey began, remains as strong as ever.” Addressing its supporters, the club added, “We ask for your understanding as we navigate this challenging period… At Chennaiyin FC, we are more than just a football club. We are a family.”
The Chennai-based club’s decision follows similar actions by other ISL sides. Last week, Odisha FC announced it would stop paying salaries to its first-team squad and staff due to uncertainty over the league's future. Bengaluru FC, one of India's most successful clubs and home to legendary striker Sunil Chhetri, took a more drastic step on Monday by indefinitely suspending all first-team contracts.
“In view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season, Bengaluru Football Club has taken what is a very difficult decision of indefinitely suspending the salaries of the players and staff belonging to the first team,” Bengaluru FC said in a statement.
The club noted that operating a football club in India had always been a “challenge,” made even harder by the current lack of clarity. “The future and well-being of our players, staff and their families is of utmost importance to us, and we are in touch with them as we wait for a resolution,” the club said, while also urging the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to resolve the matter promptly.
“We urge the AIFF and FSDL to end this impasse swiftly. The uncertainty benefits no one, and a prompt resolution is vital for the future of Indian football,” Bengaluru FC added.
The ISL has been put on hold by its organisers, FSDL, due to an unresolved situation regarding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with the AIFF. The 15-year MRA, signed in 2010, is set to expire on December 18, 2025. The agreement governs the commercial and operational framework of the ISL, and the lack of a renewed or revised version has thrown the league’s immediate future into question.
Eight ISL clubs, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, and Punjab FC, have written a joint letter to the AIFF requesting a constructive dialogue to address concerns. These clubs will meet the AIFF leadership on Thursday. Notably, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Mumbai City FC, and Chennaiyin FC were not signatories to the letter.
The situation has also been compounded by a Supreme Court directive, which prohibits the AIFF from negotiating new MRA terms with FSDL until a final ruling is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case. A verdict is expected soon.
Although AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey had previously assured that the 2025–26 ISL season would be held, he stopped short of providing a specific start date. On July 11, FSDL officially announced that the season had been “put on hold,” deepening the crisis.
Traditionally held from September to April, the ISL now faces an uncertain future, leaving clubs, players, and fans in a state of anxiety as they await clarity on the road ahead.
With PTI inputs
