The Asia/Oceania regional arm of the global football players’ union FIFPRO on Tuesday expressed its concern for the ongoing impasse regarding the future of the top-tier domestic competition in India.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which runs the Indian Super League, have been at loggerheads for months and have failed to agree on a Master Rights Agreement after December 2025, leading to this season’s league being suspended indefinitely.
“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,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said in a statement.
“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,” it added.
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The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on August 22 for the matter after 11 of the 13 ISL clubs wrote to the AIFF that they ‘face the real possibility of shutting down entirely’ if a solution on the league is not reached soon.
Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC are among top clubs to have temporarily suspended their first-team operations amid the uncertainty.
The players’ union also said that it and the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) have been in contact with ISL players and have raised the matter with FIFA and the AFC on their behalf.
“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urges the AIFF, 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 said.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com