Misery continues at Hyderabad FC as Petteri Pennanen leaves midway

Petteri Pennanen is the latest foreign player to leave the sinking ship after not receiving his salary.

In yet another blow to Indian Super League outfit Hyderabad FC, their foreign recruit Petteri Pennanen leaves the club after terminating the contract due to unpaid dues. The Finnish midfielder took to the social media platform “X” to confirm his decision to bid farewell to the Nizams in the middle of the 2023-24 season.

Hyderabad FC are likely to play the rest of the Indian Super League season with a completely domestic squad with doubts hanging over Joao Victor’s involvement, their sole remaining foreigner. All of the remaining foreign players have left, one by one, after the club failed to pay their dues. It is worth noting that the winners of the 2021-22 ISL are currently serving a transfer ban by FIFA for failing to pay dues of their former players and coaching staff.

I have legally terminated my contract yesterday with Hyderabad FC due outstanding salaries.

— Petteri Pennanen (@petepennanen) January 29, 2024

A brief but impressive stint

Petteri Pennanen made the move to Hyderabad FC ahead of the start of the 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League. The midfielder made 11 appearances for the Nizams, scored once and looked better than the rest of the players in a highly demotivated squad. 

Despite the failings of Hyderabad FC on the pitch, where they have been unable to record even their first win of the 2023-24 ISL season, the 33-year-old midfielder showed incredible professionalism despite not receiving his salary.

In another post on X by Pennanen, he said, “I want to thank all the players, coaches and staff for giving their best every day despite the situation outside of the field was not acceptable. Also thanks to the fans for supporting us. I hope that situation gets better and every one of you gets what you deserve.”

I want to thank all the players, coaches and staff for giving their best every day despite the situation outside of the field was not acceptable. Also thanks to the fans for supporting us. I really hope that situation gets better and everyone of you get what you deserve.

— Petteri Pennanen (@petepennanen) January 29, 2024

An uncertain future is staring Hyderabad FC right in the face. In addition to losing their foreign contingent, the club is also losing (or has lost) key domestic players such as Mohammed Yasir, Chinglensana Singh, Hitesh Sharma, Nim Dorjee, Nikhil Poojary and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy. 

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