I-League: Players set for legal battle against clubs after contract termination

Several players have taken the matter to FPAI seeking their help.

The I-League could be drawn into an ugly legal battle between its’ players with a few teams who have decided to prematurely terminate the contracts of their squad members due to the financial impact caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to The Times of India, at least three I-League clubs including Kolkata giants East Bengal have served notices to their players indicating that they will only be paid until the end of April, even though most contracts in Indian football run till the end of May.

They are using the “Force Majeure” reason for it, which means an event of circumstance beyond the control of a party which makes the party’s obligations towards its employees impossible to be met.

The Football Players Association of India (FPAI) have started receiving calls and messages from its players complaining about this situation and the association is ready to tackle this matter head on to help the players.

FPAI General Manager Cyrus Confectioner said, “We have received notice from FIFA regarding 'Force Majeure.' It's not 100% applicable to the clubs, unless there are certain guidelines and stipulations which they put down."

"If there are four or five months left for the season to finish, it's understandable to terminate contracts after mutual agreement . But, to terminate contracts with two months remaining is unacceptable, particularly when the club is making player signings for next season."

“What we are telling the players is to send us details of termination and contracts. Our first option is to talk to the clubs and arrive at an amicable solution. If that cannot be worked out, we will place it before the player status committee of the AIFF. They are generally supportive of players," stated Confectioner.

Only three I-League clubs have, till date, promised to pay their players fully for the remainder of their contracts. Mohun Bagan have paid up till April, but have promised to pay for the entirety of their contracts, while Real Kashmir and Indian Arrows players have been fully paid as well.

Gokulam Kerala have a special clause in their player contracts which states they will only pay till the last match of the season, which happened in early March. As a result, they’ve paid their players up till March, but are not legally obligated to pay for the remaining two months.

A certain foreign player in the league has also received a setback with his club unwilling to pay his contract till the end of June. He could be forced to go to FIFA for help if he isn’t paid his full dues. The FPAI’s expert lawyer is also available for the players to go to for legal advice if they have to individually fight their battles.