Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has issued a heartfelt message urging calm and solidarity within the country’s footballing community amid growing uncertainty over the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
The Bengaluru FC captain’s message comes after the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) — the organiser of the ISL and a subsidiary of IMG Reliance — officially announced the suspension of the upcoming season. The development follows unresolved negotiations with the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which is set to expire on December 8, 2025.
In a letter addressed to ISL clubs, FSDL stated it could no longer “effectively plan, organise, or commercialise” the season without clarity on the future of its agreement with the AIFF. As a result, clubs have been left in limbo, pre-season schedules have been postponed, and several teams have withdrawn from the prestigious Durand Cup.
From relief to concern
Chhetri, who initially welcomed a slight delay in pre-season while on vacation, said the mood quickly shifted from relief to anxiety as the suspension turned indefinite.
“When my phone went off a few weeks ago informing us of a delay in pre-season by a fortnight, I must admit it made me smile,” he wrote on social media platform ‘X’.
“That ‘fortnight’ has now changed to ‘indefinitely’, and that smile’s been wiped out.”
Chhetri acknowledged his personal concerns as a senior player nearing the twilight of his career but said the deeper issue lies in the ripple effect on hundreds across the Indian football ecosystem.
“I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs — not just from my club, but from others as well. Everybody is worried, hurt, scared. This situation is deeply concerning.”
A message of hope and solidarity
Despite the uncertainty, the 39-year-old striker expressed confidence in the system and faith in those working behind the scenes to resolve the crisis.
“I know that the think tank and all those involved in running the sport are working to get the football season up and running, and I’m hopeful that there is a solid fix sooner rather than later.”
Chhetri concluded with a call for unity and resilience across all stakeholders.
“To all those whose livelihoods depend on this — players, staff, kitmen, medical teams, production crews, operations staff — please stay calm. We’ll ride this storm together. Keep training, stay fit, and take care of each other. Football has to resume soon. It will.”
As one of the most respected voices in Indian sport, Chhetri’s words serve as both a reality check and a beacon of hope for a football community grappling with an unprecedented impasse.
