"Save Indian Football": Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Other Stars Appeal To FIFA For Resolving Crisis

Indian football is in a crisis. There is still no clarity on whether the national football league (the ISL) will happen at all. With the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) still uncertain, Indian footballers, along with international stars, have urged the sport's global governing body, FIFA, to step in and resolve the lingering state of the franchise-based tournament. Leading figures of Indian football, including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Sunil Chhetri, have publicly appealed to FIFA to intervene amid the ongoing crisis facing the sport in the country.

"It's January, and we should be on your screens as part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League," Gurpreet said in a video featuring other players as well. "Instead, here we are, driven by fear and desperation, to say aloud something we all know," Jhingan added. "Players, staff, owners, and fans deserve clarity, protection, and, more importantly, a future," Chhetri said.

"But more importantly, we are here to make a plea. The Indian football governing body is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at permanent paralysis. This is a last-ditch effort to save what we can. So we are calling on FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football. We hope this message reaches the powers that be in Zurich. This call is not political; it is not driven by confrontation but by necessity. It might sound like a big word, but the truth is that we are facing a humanitarian, sporting, and economic crisis. And, of course, we need rescuing at the earliest. We just want to play football-please help us do it," other players said in the statement.

. @FIFAcom @FIFPRO @FIFPROAsiaOce @FPAI pic.twitter.com/urNqYfmVcH

— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) January 2, 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday received letters from nearly all members of the Indian Super League (ISL) confirming they may be willing to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season; however, participation will be contingent upon satisfactory financial and governance assurances provided by the AIFF.

The member clubs of the ISL further stated that their continued participation is conditional upon the AIFF assuring them that there are no league administration fees associated with participation and that the AIFF will accept full financial responsibility for operational costs incurred due to reduced seasons.

In addition, club members requested that the AIFF provide a clear, timed set of objectives outlining how the financial and governance structure of the league will develop over time. In conjunction with this, club members asked the AIFF to pursue funds from the government to support the league.

Earlier, City Football Group (CFG) divested its shareholding in Mumbai City FC, returning the Indian Super League (ISL) side to full control of its founding owners.

The purchase of a 65% share of Mumbai City FC in November 2019 by the Manchester City-owning conglomerate was a watershed moment in ambition, professionalism, and globalising the club. The club experienced its greatest success during its six-year relationship with CFG.