From Sunil Chhetri to Sandesh Jhingan - Indian footballers open about Jamshedpur FC's ISL exit
Sunil Chhetri, Rahul Bheke & Sandesh Jhingan made their stance clear.
Jamshedpur FC have pulled their name as they officially announced their withdrawal from the next ISL 2026-27 season, stating that they will not be taking part in the next season’s Indian Super League (ISL) and look to close down their football operations.
Jamshedpur FC have continued to play in the Durand Cup 2026, but they have announced their decision after the expiry of the participation fee payment deadline. After Inter Kashi paid their first instalment only the Red Miners were the one who remained on the list, and ahead of the new ISL season, they made up their mind.
And after that scenario, many things have happened regarding Jamshedpur FC’s ISL exit situation the Men of Steel players made a very emotional appeal video to the TATA Group authority to rethink & reconsider their decision, which they had made. Not only that, several Indian footballers like Sunil Chhetri, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary and Sandesh Jhingan spoke about the scenario and expressed major concern over Indian football’s matter.
Now take a look at what the footballers from different ISL clubs and also football officials said about Jamshedpur FC’s matter.
Sunil Chhetri with a clear message
Indian football team’s former captain and legend himself, Sunil Chhetri, expressed deep concern and urged the TATA Group to possibly rethink their decision about the ISL exit announcement, which has created a vacant place in the minds of all JFC players mind and they are simply in shock.
Sunil Chhetri made a clear statement that “It takes a lot to be a stakeholder in Indian football. It has been like that for some time now. But when everything around looks like it will crumble, you bank on family to hold on to each other. And more often than not, it is the elders in the house that you turn to, for assurance. All of you at the TATA Group, through TFA first, and then Jamshedpur FC, have been one of our pillars.”
“I understand that some tough decisions in sport are down to what makes sense in the board room. But I can only request and hope that the think tank at TATA picks their heart over head and reconsiders this call. It might be a poor business decision, but it will be the one Indian football needs the most at this hour.”
Nikhil Poojary & Rahul Bheke raised their voice through social media
Bengaluru FC defender Nikhil Poojary & Mohun Bagan’s newest signing, Rahul Bheke, who has been a very key player for Indian Men’s National Football Team, are the two players who raised their voice regarding the Jamshedpur FC matter, as they are really disappointed and pointed out that the growth of Indian Football has been shattered due to these kinds of decisions.
Nikhil Poojary, the India international full-back, was one of the players who clarified and stated about this issue. As he stated this through his social media, “One day we celebrate Brazil playing in our country. The next players wake up to the news that another club is shutting down it’s first team football operations. It’s hard not to wonder where we are really headed.”
Mohun Bagan defender and Indian National Team player Rahul Bheke also came in support and shared a message of Instagram.
“This is a painful moment for Indian football. A club like Jamshedpur FC, built with stability, professionalism, and strong backing, stepping away from the ISL is more than just a club decision, it’s a significant blow to the ecosystem of Indian football.”
“Behind every club are players, coaches, staff, support personnel, and families whose livelihoods are affected. These decisions have a far-reaching impact.”
“I sincerely hope the people involved reconsider this decision, because clubs like Jamshedpur FC are important for the future of Indian football. The game needs stability, investment, and long-term commitment, not more uncertainty.”
“I truly hope this isn’t goodbye”: Sandesh Jhingan
The most experienced defender from the Indian roster, Sandesh Jhingan, spoke about the topic when the Johars are really in trouble many players also highlighted the legacy of Jamshedpur FC club & TATA’s legacy, as many players rejected other offers to stay with the club. But right now, after the emotional video, all eyes will be on what happens in the future.
“Growing up, TFA wasn’t just an academy. It was the benchmark. Every young footballer knew what it meant if you wore that badge it meant you had earned your place among the very best. So when Jamshedpur FC came into Indian football in 2017, it felt like that legacy had found its home in the ISL. It wasn’t just another club. It carried years of trust, values and investment in Indian football.”
“Clubs come and go but very few leave a legacy that changes the game. Tata’s contribution through TFA and Jamshedpur FC has done exactly that by creating opportunities and developing players and giving countless people a platform to dream. If the reports are true, it would be a sad day for everyone who cares about Indian football. I understand that every organisation has to make difficult business decisions, but I also hope there is still a way forward.”
“Indian football needs institutions that think beyond the next season. I truly hope this isn’t goodbye.”
Jamshedpur FC players with an emotional appeal
With the emotional video from the Jamshedpur FC players after the shocking news emerged, the news shocked everyone and left every player and staff member in a very vacant state, and they are also worried about their future as they all asked the TATA Group to rethink & reconsider their decision.
Jamshedpur FC defender Pratik Chaudhari said, “Hello everyone, it’s been a shock for us since yesterday when we heard the news, when we were told that the club is going to shut operations and after this, we won’t continue after the Durand Cup. So, we were confused, obviously we were angry, we were worried about the future, we still are.”
“This is a very serious matter. So, on behalf of all the players, we would just like to appeal to the higher management of Tata Group, please do rethink about this, reconsider the situation. Don’t let this be the final whistle for Jamshedpur FC.” he concluded with.”
Other reactions
BFC owner Parth Jindal also expressed his concern over the matter.
“It’s unfortunate that Jamshedpur FC has decided to withdraw from the Indian Super League (ISL). We at Bengaluru FC are more determined than ever to get Indian football to the place where it deserves to be.”
Former Jamshedpur FC player and ISL legend Tiri also felt disappointed as he made his stance clear through an Instagram post where he thanked the supporters for their support, and he also urged the TATA Group to reconsider their decision upon ISL exit.
“With the utmost respect, I would like to ask the club’s management and the Tata Group to please reconsider this decision. Because Jamshedpur FC is so much more than a football club. It represents the dreams of thousands of young players, the livelihood of many families and the pride of an entire city.”
Why did Jamshedpur FC withdraw from the ISL 2026-27 season?
Jamshedpur FC officially announced that they will not participate in the 2026-27 Indian Super League and are looking to shut down their football operations.
Which Indian footballers reacted to Jamshedpur FC’s exit?
Several footballers, including Sunil Chhetri, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary and Sandesh Jhingan, expressed concern over the club’s withdrawal and its impact on Indian football.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.