FIFPRO urges FIFA for immediate action as future of ISL hangs in limbo

Several players from ISL clubs have written to World Players’ Union about the uncertainty of their future.

Indian Football is facing one of its most serious crises in recent memory, with the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) put on indefinite hold. That crisis has now reached Zurich. In a letter dated 12 August 2025, FIFPRO asked FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström to step in, saying players’ contracts have been suspended until further notice and their livelihoods are at risk.

In a strongly worded letter, FIFPRO described the situation as “alarming” and accused clubs of unilaterally suspending contracts, putting players’ livelihoods at risk. The union stressed that this instability is damaging not just professional careers but also the wider football ecosystem in India.

“A significant number of players have approached FIFPRO and its members to report unilateral suspensions of their employment contracts until further notice by various clubs due to participate in the ISL. Such unlawful suspensions – in direct breach of the players’ labour rights – combined with the general state of uncertainty surrounding the near future of the ISL, have plunged players into a great state of uncertainty and distress. Their livelihoods and careers are on the line, ” the letter to FIFA from FIFPRO read.

FIFPRO’s call to FIFA for immediate action

FIFPRO’s letter argued that FIFA cannot treat this as a purely domestic matter. It pointed to India’s status as the world’s most populous country — with nearly half its population under the age of 24 — as a reason for FIFA to prioritise genuine football development in the nation.

The union urged FIFA to use its influence, including its close ties with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), to help break the deadlock. FIFPRO also offered to meet with FIFA to discuss immediate solutions to safeguard players’ rights and ensure the continuity of the ISL.

“We would appreciate any clarification you may have, and any actions you could urgently take in order to contribute to the solution of this situation. Whilst I understand that you might at first glance consider this to be a purely national matter, if FIFA wishes to make football truly global, then it should use its vast wealth and power (the FIFA President has a close relationship with the Chair of FSDL, for example). FIFA cannot continue to effectively ignore one in five people on the planet. We remain at your disposal to organise a meeting to further discuss this pressing matter. We thank you for taking note of the above and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience, ” the letter read.

FIFPRO also referenced prior work on India’s football pathway and offered to meet FIFA at short notice to discuss immediate protections for players and a way to keep the ISL active.

AIFF caught in legal deadlock

ISL clubs, AIFF and FSDL held a crucial meeting over the ISL 2025-26 season roadmap on August 7.

At the heart of the crisis is the pending renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and FSDL, which underpins the existence of the ISL. Signed in 2010 for 15 years, the deal is set to expire in December 2025.

However, the Supreme Court has barred AIFF from taking major decisions until its new constitution is finalized. This restriction has stalled negotiations, prompting FSDL to step back from committing to a new season. On August 14, AIFF agreed to approach the Supreme Court to request an expedited resolution, following a meeting with ISL clubs in New Delhi.

Breaking: Legal counsels representing both AIFF and the ISL clubs met this evening and have agreed that AIFF will mention the matter to the Supreme Court on Monday, August 18, 2025, regarding the hardships currently faced by the entire #IndianFootball ecosystem. @KhelNow — Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 14, 2025

Clubs Halt Operations Amid Growing Uncertainty

The prolonged stalemate has forced three ISL clubs — Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, and Chennaiyin FC — to suspend operations. The rest are warning of similar measures if clarity is not provided soon. Earlier this month, eleven ISL clubs even threatened to approach the Supreme Court themselves if AIFF failed to act.

The situation has reached a point where players, clubs, and commercial stakeholders are all looking to FIFA for leadership. Whether the governing body will respond to FIFPRO’s appeal could determine if Indian Football’s top-tier league survives this season.

Why have FIFPRO written to FIFA about Indian football? FIFPRO is seeking FIFA’s urgent intervention to protect players’ rights and help resolve the ISL’s uncertain future. Which ISL clubs have halted operations? Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, and Chennaiyin FC have suspended activities due to the ongoing uncertainty. Why is FIFPRO getting involved in India—isn’t this a domestic issue? FIFPRO argues it isn’t purely domestic. India is a major football market, and FIFA has both the reach and relationships (including with FSDL) to help unlock the impasse. What is FIFPRO asking FIFA to do right now? To step in quickly—seek clarifications, use its influence to stabilise the situation, and meet with stakeholders to protect players’ rights and keep the ISL running.

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