Odisha FC players request payment of salaries ahead of ISL 2025-26 kickoff

Odisha FC are yet to start their preseason ahead of the 2025-26 ISL season

Following a lengthy period of uncertainty, the Indian Super League is set to kick off on 14th February 2026. The shortened single round-robin season will see each team playing 13 matches each to determine the champions of Indian football.

Fourteen clubs will be taking part in the 2025-26 ISL season, including the rebranded Sporting Club Delhi and the newly promoted I-League champions, Inter Kashi. While the other thirteen clubs have started their pre-season activities, former Super Cup champions Odisha FC are yet to step on to the field.

The Kalinga Warriors have confirmed their participation in the ISL this season through their social media handles. However, there has been no news of incoming signings or about the start of their training ahead of the new season. A lack of update has brought concern to the players who are currently contracted at the club.

When will Odisha FC start their pre-season training?

Unlike the other Indian Super League clubs, Odisha FC did not participate in the 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup and they were not part of the 2025 Durand Cup as well. The Bhubaneshwar-based side has suspended player salaries for the past six months and also parted ways with head coach Sergio Lobera in November.

Owing to the uncertainty, players have penned a letter to the club stating, “Salaries have been on hold for the past six months. During this prolonged period, many players have been facing significant financial difficulties, as football is their primary source of income for themselves and their families. In some cases, players have had to take out loans.”

“We fully understand the challenge the club has gone through, however, the lack of payments has placed the players in a very difficult economic situation. For this reason, we respectfully request the payment of pending salaries, or at least a partial payment to help alleviate the current hardship.”

Though the league is expected to start in a couple of weeks, there is no certainty on the start of pre-season training at Odisha FC. As per Times of India, the club has informed its players over Whatsapp that preseason will start on 8th or 9th February, however, this is pending government permission.

Though not official yet, Odisha FC are scheduled to host Punjab FC at Kalinga Stadium on 16th February. It has to be seen if the players will be ready with just a week of training after such a long gap in the offseason.

Will Odisha FC be ready for the ISL?

As stated earlier, Odisha FC have parted ways with Sergio Lobera and the Spaniard has since signed with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Hugo Boumous has also been loaned out to Malaysia’s Selangor FC whereas winger Jerry Mawihmingthanga has signed with East Bengal.

Only Carlos Delgado remains as the available foreign option in the squad and there is still no update on who will be managing the team in the 2025-26 ISL season. With so much uncertainty surrounding the club, it would be interesting to see how they would approach the season in the coming weeks.

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