Sunil Chhetri Leads Players’ Appeal as ISL Crisis Deepens Amid AIFF Deadlock
Top footballers urge AIFF to restart ISL as India’s premier league faces its darkest uncertainty.
India’s leading footballers, including captain Sunil Chhetri, have made a united appeal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to revive the suspended Indian Super League (ISL). In a joint statement shared widely on social media, Chhetri, along with Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Lallianzuala Chhangte, expressed their frustration at the ongoing deadlock, urging authorities to “do whatever it takes” to resume competitive football.
Chhetri shared the collective message on Instagram, stating, “We stand united in our efforts to get the Indian Super League season underway. To put it simply, we want to play, and now.” The plea reflects mounting concern within India’s football community as the ISL season, typically held from September, remains indefinitely stalled with no official start date in sight.
The crisis deepened after the AIFF’s recent tender for the league’s commercial rights failed to attract any bidders by the November 7 deadline. The lack of commercial interest has left the league’s future uncertain, forcing several top clubs to suspend operations. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters have paused training camps, while Chennaiyin FC and Inter Kashi have reportedly delayed player payments, compounding the sport’s turmoil.
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In their joint appeal, players described their emotions shifting from frustration to desperation. “We’ve found ourselves in a very dark tunnel for long. We could do with a little light,” the statement read, highlighting their collective exhaustion after months without competition. The players called on governing authorities to match their commitment to the sport with “honest intent” to restore football in the country.
Under growing pressure, the AIFF has indicated it may approach the Supreme Court to modify the ISL’s governing structure and expedite the process of appointing a new commercial partner. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, overseeing AIFF reforms, has already begun consultations with football officials to find a legal and financial resolution. For India’s football fraternity, however, the immediate focus remains on one thing—getting back on the pitch.
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