'We want to play, and now,': Footballers in India plead for resumption of ISL

With no commercial partner, the future of the top division is up in the air.

Indian footballers have taken the initiative to sharpen the demand for the revival of the Indian Super League (ISL), as the chaos in Indian football worsens. Several members of the Indian senior national men’s team have released a statement that portrays their desperation and plight.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) received no bids for the commercial rights of its properties, which include India’s top division league, the Indian Super League (ISL). With no commercial partners on board, the new season of ISL has not started yet.

“India needs its competitive football,” demand the footballers

The joint statement was posted on the social media handles of various players, including Sunil Chhetri, the national team captain, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Nikhil Poojary and Ryan Williams, among others.

“We, professional footballers who play in the Indian Super League, are coming together to make a plea, and more importantly, to send the message that we stand united in our efforts to get the Indian Super League season underway. To put it simply, we want to play, and now,” read the statement.

Highlighting the anguish, the players remarked, “Our anger, frustration and distress has now been replaced by desperation. Desperation to play the game we love, in front of people who mean everything to us – our families, our fans.”

Also Read: ‘We need action and we need it now,’ Sandesh Jhingan urges stakeholders to find solution to ISL limbo

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A post shared by Sunil Chhetri (@chetri_sunil11)

The players have urged the decision makers in Indian Football to take decisive measures to bring Indian Football back on track. “This is a plea to all those involved in running our sport in the country, to do whatever it takes to get the football season underway. India needs its competitive football now more than ever,” wrote the players, pleading for the revival of ISL.

The statement concluded with an expression of commitment from the players and a call to action. “As for us, we remain committed, professional and ready to walk out of that tunnel and onto the pitch the moment we’re told we can. All we ask of those running our beautiful game is to match our desperation with honest intent. We’ve found ourselves in a very dark tunnel for a long time. We could do with a little light.”

Also Read: Commercial unviability of AIFF tender repels FSDL from bidding for commercial rights

No sight of the promised land

The federation has come up with multiple statements highlighting their efforts to resume the top division football in India, but there has been no real action so far.

Following the failure to attract any bid, the Chairperson of the Bid Evaluation Committee, Justice (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao will submit a report to the Supreme Court.

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