Bengaluru FC suspends player, staff salaries indefinitely due to ISL impasse

The uncertainty over the start of the Indian Super League (ISL) season has forced one of the biggest clubs in the country, Bengaluru FC, to suspend salaries to staff and players.

BFC issued a statement Monday evening announcing the 'difficult decision'. The ISL, which is the first division men's league in the country, has been put on hold as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have not renewed the Master Rights Agreement, set to expire in December.

"In view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season, Bengaluru Football Club has taken what is a very difficult decision of indefinitely suspending the salaries of players and staff belonging to the First Team," BFC said in a release.

"Running and sustaining a football club in India has always been an uphill climb, one that we have put everything aside and made, season after season. However, the lack of clarity on the League's future leaves us with no choice but to take this step. The future and well-being of our players, staff and their families is of utmost importance to us, and we are in touch with them as we wait for a resolution.

"The Club remains committed to growing and developing the sport and our operations with our youth teams - men and women, and BFC Soccer Schools remain unaffected by this decision. We urge the AIFF and FSDL to end this impasse swiftly. The uncertainty benefits no one, and a prompt resolution is vital for the future of Indian football."

BFC are the first major club in the country to announce suspension of salaries publicly.