'League’s restart must not come at the expense of players': FIFPRO issues strong warning to ISL clubs over salary cuts
FC Goa players became the first to take voluntary salary cuts during the ISL uncertainty.
The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has stepped in as uncertainty continues to surround the Indian Super League (ISL) ahead of the 2025–26 season. In an official statement, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urged clubs to respect player contracts and avoid coercive practices at a time when many footballers remain unpaid.
“Many have been forced to rely on personal savings, take short-term contracts in state leagues, or seek alternative employment simply to support themselves and their families,” FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said.
“Despite these extraordinary challenges, players have continued to demonstrate incredible professionalism. Alarmingly, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has received recent reports that several clubs are pressuring contracted players into accepting salary reductions.”
It added that such actions undermine protections under FIFA and AIFF Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
“While FIFPRO Asia/Oceania and the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) respect any agreement voluntarily entered into between players and clubs and encourage good faith negotiations, it underlines that any attempt to coerce players into amending their terms represents abusive practice under the FIFA and AIFF BSTP. Any player subjected to this can rely upon the full support of PFAI and FIFPRO,” the statement read.
“The league’s restart must not come at the expense of players’ fundamental rights. FIFPRO and FIFPRO Asia/Oceania remain committed to working with all parties to restore Integrity, stability, and respect for players’ contracts within Indian football,” the statement added.
ISL restart and truncated format explained
All 14 clubs have confirmed participation in the upcoming Indian Super League season. The league will be played in a single home-and-away format, producing a total of 91 matches running till May 17th will no playoff stages.
Due to the condensed calendar, fixtures will mainly be scheduled as double-headers on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Kick-off times have been set at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM IST. In addition, one standalone matchday on Thursday has been included in the schedule.
Also, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) granted India a one-season exemption from the mandatory 24-match league requirement. With this relaxation, the ISL champions and Super Cup winners i.e, FC GOa will be eligible to participate in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) qualifiers next season.
Aslo Read: Explained: AIFF’s proposed ISL Governance Model – What changes, who holds power & why it matters
FC Goa players agree to salary reduction
FC Goa became the first club where players collectively accepted a salary cut. FC Goa announced on Thursday that first-team players and technical staff have agreed to take temporary pay cuts ahead of the upcoming season, signalling the aftermath of the earlier uncertainty surrounding the league start. Captain Sandesh Jhingan led internal discussions with the squad.
CEO Ravi Puskur described the decision as difficult but necessary. He stressed that transparency played a key role. The coaching staff, including Manolo Márquez, also agreed to reduced remuneration. FC Goa did not disclose the extent or duration of the pay cuts but indicated they are linked directly to the delay and lack of clarity around the start of the ISL season.
Other ISL clubs still negotiating
However, not all clubs have reached agreements. Mumbai City FC players have formally rejected salary cuts, citing contractual obligations. NorthEast United have reached a mutual understanding with players and staff. Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC, and Mumbai City FC remain in talks.
FIFPRO has reiterated that negotiations must remain voluntary. Any pressure, it warned, could invite regulatory action.
When does the ISL 2025–26 season start?
The league will kick off on February 14 and run until May 17.
How many matches will each ISL team play this season?
Each team will play 13 matches in a single-leg home-and-away format.
Which ISL club has agreed to salary cuts so far?
FC Goa players and staff have collectively agreed to reduce salaries for the season.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.