Chennaiyin FC suspends operations amid uncertainty surrounding ISL

Indian club football plunged deeper into crisis on Wednesday as Chennaiyin FC announced the suspension of its operations, citing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). The decision comes just days after Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC stopped paying salaries to their first-team players and staff.

Chennaiyin's announcement came ahead of a crucial meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and eight ISL clubs scheduled for Thursday. However, the two-time ISL champions are unlikely to be part of the talks, as they were not among the clubs that formally requested the meeting.

“In light of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of the ISL, Chennaiyin FC has taken the extremely difficult decision to temporarily pause club operations,” the club said in a statement on social media.

“These are never easy decisions to make, and ours has come after much thoughtful consideration and careful deliberation. The challenges of being a stakeholder in Indian football are well recognised,” it added.

“This is not a step we take lightly. It affects people we care about deeply. The welfare of our players, coaches, staff and their families remains a priority, and we are in constant communication with them as we face this together.”

The club expressed hope that the suspension would be short-lived and reiterated its commitment to Indian football. “Throughout this uncertainty, our commitment to the growth of Indian football, upon which this journey began, remains as strong as ever. To our loyal supporters, your passion and belief have always inspired us. We ask for your understanding as we navigate this challenging period.”

Last week, Odisha FC stopped paying salaries to its players and staff. On Monday, Bengaluru FC went a step further, indefinitely suspending contracts of its first-team players and staff.

“In view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the ISL, Bengaluru FC has taken the difficult decision of indefinitely suspending salaries of the players and staff belonging to the first team,” the club said in a statement.

“Running and sustaining a football club in India has always been an uphill climb. However, the lack of clarity on the League’s future leaves us with no choice. The well-being of our players, staff and their families remains of utmost importance to us.”

The club also urged the AIFF and FSDL (Football Sports Development Limited) to resolve the impasse quickly. “The uncertainty benefits no one, and a prompt resolution is vital for the future of Indian football.”

The ISL was put on hold last month by its organisers, FSDL, due to the unresolved status of its Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with the AIFF. The current 15-year MRA, signed in 2010, expires on December 18.

Following a Supreme Court directive, the AIFF has been asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA until the court delivers a final verdict on the AIFF’s draft constitution—a ruling expected soon.

Meanwhile, eight ISL clubs—Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC and Punjab FC—have written to the AIFF calling for a “constructive dialogue” regarding their future. The Kolkata giants—Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting—as well as Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC did not sign the letter.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey had recently assured that the 2025–26 ISL season would be held, though no start date has been confirmed. FSDL had officially announced on July 11 that the upcoming season was being put “on hold” pending clarity on the MRA. The ISL season typically runs from September to April.
(With PTI inputs)