Indian footballers' urgent appeal to FIFA over the suspended Indian Super League (ISL) has garnered political support from AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, amid new fears over AFC Champions League eligibility and investor pullouts. The crisis, rooted in a failed commercial rights tender, continues to paralyze the sport.
Building on their joint video statement released on January 2, 2026—where stars like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Suresh Wangjam warned of a humanitarian and economic crisis—players have highlighted escalating risks as the ISL remains on hold since July 2025.
The stalemate follows the December 8, 2025, expiry of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which provided ₹50 crore annually to the AIFF. A Supreme Court-supervised tender on August 25, 2025, drew no bidders, defying directives to resolve the dispute.
Thirteen of 14 ISL clubs are open to a delayed 2025-26 season without participation fees if the AIFF covers costs, but the impasse jeopardizes AFC Champions League 2 qualification, requiring 24 matches. Compounding issues, City Football Group has exited Mumbai City FC.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal amplified the call on X, decrying years of mismanagement at a 'critical crossroads' for Indian football, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. The players' plea underscores the need for FIFA intervention to avert 'permanent paralysis' and allow football to resume.
