Odisha FC suspend contracts amid ISL 2025-26 uncertainty

The letter was addressed to all the players and staff of Odisha FC.

The ISL 2025–26 uncertainty has taken a major toll on Odisha FC, with the club officially suspending all existing player and staff contracts from August 5, 2025.

In an official letter sent by Delhi Soccer Private Limited, the club’s parent company, Odisha FC informed its employees that the current situation qualifies as a “force majeure” event—entirely beyond their control and impossible to foresee.

The letter, signed by official Ajit Panda, clarified that the suspension is a temporary measure in light of the indefinite postponement of the Indian Super League season. It also stated that the club would not prevent anyone from seeking opportunities elsewhere and would support contract terminations if mutually agreed upon.

“As you may be aware, the commencement of the Indian Super League (“ISL”) 2025-26 season has been indefinitely suspended due to the inability of Football Sports Development Limited (“FSDL”) and the All India Football Federation (“AIFF”) to reach an agreement on the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (“MRA”),” the letter a copy of which Khel Now have had their hand on reads.

“This unfortunate development has placed Odisha FC (“Club”) in an extremely challenging position, arising from circumstances that are entirely beyond the Club’s control and unforeseeable in nature—akin to a force majeure event, “

“After careful and thorough consideration, and in alignment with the evolving situation, the Club has arrived at a difficult decision and is proposing to place your engagement with the Club under suspension with effect from 5th August, 2025. Please be assured that this decision has not been taken lightly and is being made on a bona fide basis, in the best interest of the Club and its stakeholders.”

Also Read: Trying to force us out: Odisha FC owner slams government over Kalinga Stadium row

Supreme Court freeze stalls MRA talks, cripples ISL operations

The heart of the ISL 2025–26 uncertainty lies in the unresolved Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). With the Supreme Court yet to rule on the AIFF’s draft constitution case, the federation has been barred from entering into fresh negotiations with FSDL.

As a result, FSDL has already informed clubs that it cannot proceed with the 2025–26 season, citing legal limitations. Odisha FC’s suspension of all contracts follows this directive and echoes the growing concern among ISL clubs.

Eight clubs, including Odisha FC, have already written a joint letter to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, seeking urgent clarity and collaboration. Several have delayed pre-season activities, paused recruitment, and even opted out of the Durand Cup 2025.

Clubs already weighing the option of ‘force majeure‘

Some of the ISL clubs were already considering invoking force majeure clauses to suspend or terminate staff and player contracts.

🚨 “Many clubs wanted to use force majeure to suspend or terminate player/staff contracts — but couldn’t act without official word from AIFF or FSDL”Details from the email FSDL sent to ISL clubs & AIFF 👇#IndianFootball #Isl @KhelNow https://t.co/WTP1PwpRWD — Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) July 11, 2025

However, they were waiting for an official trigger — either from FSDL or AIFF — before making the first move. Odisha FC’s letter could now pave the way for others to follow suit.

Many clubs wanted to use force majeure to suspend or terminate contracts with the players and staff, which they could not do without official communication from AIFF or FSDL,” a source tracking the development had earlier informed Khel Now.

AIFF responds to the ISL clubs

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally acknowledged the joint letter submitted by eight ISL clubs expressing concern over the ISL 2025–26 uncertainty. In its response dated July 29, 2025, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan appreciated the clubs’ collective intent and called their approach constructive.

The federation also invited each club to nominate an official representative for a proposed meeting to discuss the issues raised. While AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured that the ISL season will go ahead, he admitted that its timeline depends entirely on the Supreme Court’s ruling and FIFA’s calendar constraints.

Indian football ecosystem facing wider fallout

Beyond ISL clubs, the entire Indian football ecosystem is now under threat. Player development has stalled as youth academies freeze operations. The national team is also affected, with players set to enter the FIFA window in September and October without any domestic football.

While AIFF President Chaubey has assured that the league will eventually resume, he has admitted that timelines depend entirely on the Supreme Court’s ruling. Until then, clubs like Odisha FC are left with no choice but to make tough decisions for their survival.

Why did Odisha FC suspend all contracts? Due to the ISL 2025–26 suspension caused by legal uncertainty around the MRA, Odisha FC has paused all player and staff contracts. Will the ISL 2025–26 season happen at all? AIFF has said the league will happen, but no timeline is confirmed. Everything hinges on the Supreme Court’s verdict.

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