Sunil Chhetri
AIFF intervenes to run stalled ISL after players' FIFA plea
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Following prominent Indian footballers' urgent video appeal to FIFA over the Indian Super League's (ISL) 2025-26 crisis, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on January 3, 2026, that it would directly conduct the delayed season, offering relief amid stalled negotiations for a commercial partner.
Prominent Indian footballers, including Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, have issued a joint video appeal to FIFA for urgent intervention to rescue Indian football from administrative paralysis. The Indian Super League's 2025-26 season remains stalled due to the All India Football Federation's failure to secure a commercial partner. Players describe the situation as a humanitarian, sporting, and economic crisis, with livelihoods at stake.