Salaries for players and staff at Bengaluru FC are now suspended as the Indian Super League grapples with deep uncertainty. Clubs, officials, and fans alike now watch anxiously as a fierce dispute freezes the future of the country’s top league, leaving hope hinging on elusive resolution.
Turmoil at the top of the game
At the heart of the crisis is a standoff between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its longtime commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). Their 15-year agreement, which sets the rules and funding for the league, runs out on December 8, 2025. FSDL, after years of heavy investment, wants to overhaul the current structure. They are pushing for a system where clubs would receive a greater share of ownership, hoping this leads to a more viable and competitive league.
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Yet, the AIFF supports the traditional approach. It insists on receiving an annual guaranteed fee from FSDL as well as a slice of market-driven revenues. FSDL flatly opposes this, citing the league’s heavy financial strain. Most ISL clubs regularly lose ₹30–35 crore each season, with the collective loss across all teams swelling to an estimated ₹3,000–5,000 crore.
Both FSDL and several clubs highlight ongoing problems: sponsorships, TV deals, and ticket income are not keeping pace with mounting costs.
Legal gridlock and financial strain
Negotiations collapsed after the Supreme Court barred the AIFF from signing new deals until a ruling is made on proposed amendments to the federation’s constitution. This legal impasse is tied to broader debates on how sports are governed in India and means the ISL cannot schedule or prepare for a new season. Clubs are stuck; they cannot sign fresh talent or finalize their spending plans.
Bengaluru FC’s move to pause all salary payments is not an isolated decision. Teams like Odisha FC and several others are also freezing or considering suspending salaries under similar financial stress. Even high-profile players such as Sunil Chhetri have seen their earnings halted.
Club staff and players are left in suspense about their livelihoods, while all pre-season training and preparations are on hold. Some teams have stepped away from major domestic tournaments, deepening the uncertainty.
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Mounting pressure from within
The league faces additional strain as its audience dwindles. TV viewership has dropped drastically—from 429 million during its first season to only 130 million last year. Owners note that struggles with youth development, player salaries, and a limited talent pipeline have compounded the financial woes. Investment in nurturing young talent has remained low, amplifying the difficulties clubs face in staying afloat.
With more than eight ISL clubs demanding urgent talks with the AIFF, stakeholders throughout Indian football feel the crisis pressing in. The livelihoods of players, staff, and the passion of countless fans now depend on either a legal breakthrough or a newly forged agreement.
