Why are Mohammedan Sporting better off out of ISL?
The Black and White Brigade finished at the bottom of the table in successive ISL seasons.
Indian Super League (ISL) side Mohammedan Sporting Club have been relegated from the top-tier following their bottom-place finish in the 2025-26 season.
One of the country’s oldest clubs, Mohammedan SC boast a 135-year-long legacy and a passionate fan base, but have been undergoing turmoil since their participation in the ISL.
The Black and White Brigade earned their promotion to the top tier following their I-League (now known as the Indian Football League) triumph in the 2023-24 season.
However, the Kolkata giants couldn’t find their footing in the ISL as they recorded back-to-back bottom-place finishes. They were eventually dropped from the ISL following their worst performance.
The Mohammedan SC general secretary, Wasim Akram, has recently written a letter to the AIFF, requesting to allow them to participate in the forthcoming season, given that Diamond Harbour FC’s participation is still uncertain.
In this article, we take a look back at why Mohammedan SC should not be in the ISL mix in the coming season.
Performance-wise, not in the ISL genre
Mohammedan SC underwent another turbulent campaign under its roster. They managed to secure only three points from 13 seasons without even recording a single victory.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s men succumbed to 10 defeats in the 2025-26 season, the most by any team in the league. They conceded 32 goals while managing to score only seven.
The scenario was much the same in their debut ISL season. The Black and White Brigade finished the 2024-25 season with 13 points from 24 games, including just two wins.
Financial instability
Investor dilemma and mismanagement led to successive FIFA transfer bans due to non-payment of salaries to players and coaching staff.
Financial instability has been one of the major concerns in Mohammedan SC’s underperforming campaign. The Kolkata giants become the only squad not to sign any foreigners and play with an all-Indian squad.
Lack of infrastructure and consistency
From Andrey Chernyshov to Mehrajuddin Wadoo, none could provide the sustainability and consistency required to perform in the top-tier league.
Stopgap solutions, temporary arrangements, often plagued their success, stressing the importance of long-term alternatives.
The Black and White Brigade’s historic status can’t compensate for deficiencies in modern-day football operations. They should focus on building a financially sustainable model, prioritising youth development, and forming a competitive squad with proper planning and professional management.
Once thriving in Indian football, the Kolkata giant’s recent downfall raises a serious question. Should Mohammedan SC continue competing in the league? And the answer is no.
Where did Mohammedan SC finish in ISL 2025-26?
Mohammedan SC finished at the bottom of the table in ISL 2025-26.
Why are Mohammedan SC unlikely to play in the ISL next season?
Mohammedan SC are unlikely to participate because of their poor performances over the last two seasons, financial instability, and uncertainty surrounding their eligibility after finishing at the bottom of the league table.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.