‘Football has to resume soon’: Sunil Chhetri shares emotional message as ISL remains on hold

With the MRA between FSDL and AIFF set to expire in December, the ISL is on hold.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season remains on hold as the future of the league hangs in uncertainty due to the impending expiration of the Master Rights Agreement.

Amid the chaos, Sunil Chhetri has shared a deeply emotional message, urging the entire Indian football fraternity to stay united during these unsettling times of doubt and despair.

Sunil Chhetri calls for unity in difficult times

Chhetri’s heartfelt note didn’t just voice the concerns of players but shed light on the broader crisis that threatens the jobs of thousands. He pointed out that beyond footballers, the livelihoods of medical staff, production crews, operations teams, media personnel, kitmen, and many others are equally at risk.

Acknowledging the anxiety within the ecosystem, Chhetri called the situation “scary and concerning” but remained hopeful that football will soon make its return. His message resonated as a reminder that despite the darkness, heart, hope, and solidarity can guide Indian football through this storm.

“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, and scared about the uncertainty we are faced with. I know that the think tank and all those involved in running the sport are working to get the football season up and running, and I’m hopeful that there is a solid fix sooner rather than later.

I may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football—and more importantly, the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, and operations staff – please stay calm. We’ll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better. Football has to resume soon. It will.”

Also Read: AIFF releases official statement as ISL 2025–26 season officially put on hold amid MRA uncertainty

ISL clubs delay their preseason

Amidst the uncertainty in India’s top flight, many ISL clubs have delayed their pre-season and have also abstained from participating in the prestigious Durand Cup, which often acts as the curtain opener to the new domestic season.

A few days ago, FSDL informed clubs via a formal letter that the ISL 2025-26 season has been put on hold due to contract ambiguity and that they are not in a position to proceed with the forthcoming season until further clarity emerges.

The AIFF reinstated their commitment to resume the ISL and expressed their inability to proceed further as directed by the Honourable Supreme Court of India to legally pause all renewal negotiations until its order on implementing a new AIFF constitution.

Indian clubs’ continental hopes are at stake too

The reigning ISL Shield winners and the ISL Champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are set to represent India in the prestigious AFC Champions League 2 in a few months. This tournament features some of the best clubs from Asia, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

FC Goa, who recently won the Kalinga Super Cup, are also Asia-bound, and they have an opportunity to break into the ACL 2. However, the transfer activity has massively slowed down amidst the uncertainty of ISL. This might adversely affect the ambitions of Indian clubs at a continental level.

With less than a month remaining for FC Goa’s clash against Al Seeb in the ACL 2 Qualifiers, questions remain if a delayed pre-season and, lack of quality game time will have a major impact on their performance.

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