Decent and better than expected results against Kyrgyz and Tajiks. Suhail is beginning to get more exposure and looks set to step up to senior team. He needs a SAFF cup kind of tournament though those are not the same easy games anymore. Aimen looked slow.. Vinith good on the ball but physically weak. Bikash Yumnam and Abhishek solid..Sanan looked really good. Patthib not a complete player and he may fade away at some point. Forgets to take his long rangers during such games.
SAFF is even better as a testing tournament now. Practice matches + Final against a solid BD A wholesome test for a player like Suhail
Not to mention the absolute masterclass method suggested by the Federation's president. The top most person in the Apex body of the country . Short course for U-23 Strikers by letting them train with a World class striker for a few days. Can it get more embarrassing than this ?
This works. I wish I was u-23 I would have signed up for this program and train with Messi and Ronaldo to becomes the next best thing. 10 days is too long. I am ok to do even 5 days if AIFF has budget issues.
Atleast train our women with the budget after disbanding the men's team. We might actually have a chance to play the world cup and have women playing in other countries.
Our women are so much better in terms of travelling out and playing in other countries. I don't see the guys leaving behind their bloated salaries.
I feel bad for Praful Patel and Kushal das . I think I was too harsh on them . I've made countless amount of criticism about them on this forum . If I knew that this was going to turn out like this , I would've personally bought Kushal Das his personal favourite brand of Daru .
I feel bad for Praful Patel and Kushal das . I think I was too harsh on them . I've made countless amount of criticism about them on this forum . If I knew that this was going to turn out like this , I would've personally bought Kushal Das his personal favourite brand of Daru .
As Bhutia rightly pointed out, there is no proof that these individuals are actively working on the PIO issue. If they can post online to mock him, why can’t they respond to his allegations and provide evidence of any actions they’ve taken on this matter?
Not a single player has confirmed that AIFF has been in touch with them. It’s unclear how AIFF claims to be in contact with 33 players, especially when there’s no evidence to back this up. Similarly, there is no proof of any efforts or involvement from the government on this issue.
One positive takeaway is that Stimac raised the OCI issue during his meeting with PM Modi on his trip to Croatia. At least someone managed to bring it to the Prime Minister’s attention (even though expecting Modi to act on it might be unrealistic). The sheer incompetence of this committee is evident—Stimac had pushed for OCI player eligibility when he was the coach, yet they pretended to work on it without any real progress. It’s unfortunate that, even after leaving his position, Stimac had to take it upon himself to highlight the issue, knowing full well that AIFF would likely do nothing.
Calling Indian football a circus right now would be a terrible injustice to circuses. After all, when they come to town, circuses bring chaos but also fun and frivolity and a lot of entertainment. This is just pure chaos. Over the past few months, the Indian football ecosystem, which has always seemed to be on the edge, has gone clean off it, spiraling to depths we weren't sure were achievable.
On Friday, the latest depth was explored. Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) -- the Reliance backed entity that runs the ISL -- said it's impossible to plan for a league when their current agreement with the AIFF will expire one-thirds of the way into it and told the clubs that they'd put the league on hold.
The absolute worst part is that everyone saw it coming from a mile off. Negotiations had been on for several months, say sources, with a new ownership structure a key sticking point -- but the federation only decided to constitute a 'negotiation committee' in early April.
And that happened after the Supreme Court had commenced hearing a case regarding the AIFF constitution in late March. Towards the end of April, the SC had reserved its verdict while also directing the current administration to not take any major decision until the final verdict is made on the constitution (that is slated for July 18). Essentially, that's because if the verdict calls for fresh elections, any negotiations with FSDL over the Master Rights Agreement would need to happen with the new committee.
Now, why none of this was decided before the Supreme Court got involved, why a 'negotiation committee' was constituted only in April when we've known for ten years that this agreement expires in early December 2025... those are the kind of things that you stop asking once your initial optimism about Indian football runs out.
We talk about it almost flippantly, but this is an issue that affects the lives of thousands: from the many that are employed by the ISL across playing, non-playing, support departments whose immediate futures are up in the air to the fans, who must be going through some serious emotional upheaval.
It grates so much because it's so basic. Running a league smoothly should probably be classified a primary function of a national football federation but for the first time since the National Football League was introduced in 1996, India faces existential uncertainty over the start of a top division season.
Now, if you want to know what the current system would look like without the ISL all you need to do is look to the wholly-AIFF run second division (formerly first), I-League. Months after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, we're still not sure who the winners are (sorry, Churchill Brothers), because that's pending a decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Switzerland. A case that was brought about only because the AIFF Appeals Committee said rulings on player eligibility made by the AIFF Leagues Committee and the AIFF Disciplinary Committee were wrong. Naturally. Churchill were awarded the trophy in a grand ceremony and then promptly asked to give it back.
Oh, and we've not even gotten to the Indian national team (men's) yet, have we?
The federation fell out with ex-coach Igor Stimac, fired him, and drama ensued regarding Stimac's compensation for the premature ending of his contract. They finally settled on approx. Rs 3.36 crore (USD 400,000) but that wasn't before Stimac dragged the AIFF, the ISL and anyone else within his reach through the metaphorical mud. The Federation then appointed FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez as their national team head coach, while he still remained FC Goa's coach... and that ended in predictable, dismal failure.
In a press conference called after India's loss to Hong Kong, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey didn't really address any of this, instead choosing to read out the team's results, put on an exceptionally dull defence of his reign, moot suggestions like having a 'world-class striker' give a crash course in finishing to the senior team's forwards, and launch an attack on Bhaichung Bhutia's coaching centres. At least, though, the national team director Subrata Paul had narrowed down the key issues a few weeks earlier: to 'player attitude', 'overall team spirit', and *checks notes* 'patriotism'. Nail, meet hammer.
The few positives that exist here happen despite the system, not because of it. Do remember, for instance, that any attempt to pin the success of the remarkable Indian national team (women's) on the AIFF's handling of them must be dismissed forthwith.
For theirs is an incompetence that permeates all layers of Indian football. You don't even have to look too far back: On July 10, the Madras High Court annulled the Tamil Nadu Football Association elections, saying there were procedural lapses (ineligible FA members were allowed to vote) and ordered fresh elections to be conducted soon.
From top to bottom, the Indian football 'pyramid' has rarely been as shaky as it is today. For the average football fan, there's nothing to do but hope, pray, and wait. Right now, the national team (men's) doesn't have a coach. The pending Supreme Court verdict may, or may not, invite FIFA sanctions (anyone remember the chaos before the U17 Women's World Cup?). There may, or may not, be a first division this season. Chaos reigns supreme.
In his introduction to that Vision 2047 document, Kalyan Chaubey had written, "together, we can aspire to take Indian football to peaks never scaled before." Well, at least that 'never before' bit is spot on.
Bengaluru FC have informed their players that salaries for July will be held back for now, owing to the continued uncertainty surrounding the pre-season and the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
At the centre of this disruption is the unresolved Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited. The Supreme Court is yet to announce its decision on the AIFF’s draft constitution case. Until then, the federation has been restricted from entering into any new negotiations with FSDL
FSDL had already notified clubs that they are unable to move forward with the upcoming season due to the legal standstill.
The deadlock has caused significant disruption. Eight clubs, including Bengaluru FC, have sent a joint letter to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, seeking urgent clarity and dialogue. Several clubs have already suspended pre-season activities, held back on recruitment, and opted out of the 2025 Durand Cup.
Earlier today, the AIFF confirmed that senior officials will meet with the CEOs of the eight concerned clubs in New Delhi on Thursday, August 7, to assess the situation and chart a possible path forward.
⚠️ Salary delays begin as clubs struggle with financial visibility
As Khel Now reported previously, Odisha FC had suspended all player contracts in light of the same uncertainty.
Bengaluru FC have now followed suit.
Khel Now have learned that Bengaluru FC’s players were informed on August 4 that July salaries would be held for now, with the club assuring them that all dues will be cleared once the situation is resolved.
This has been independently verified by Khel Now through three individuals closely linked to the club.
“After Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC have now delayed salary payments to players and staff. There’s a growing concern that this could trigger a domino effect,” a source tracking Indian football developments told Khel Now.
📉 Youth development and national team prep hit hard
The broader football ecosystem is also feeling the heat. With academies inactive and club operations on hold, player development is being severely compromised. The national team is also affected, as India heads into the September and October FIFA windows without competitive domestic football.
Adding to the tension, AIFF is yet to receive any payments in the 2025–26 financial year from their commercial partner FSDL, further deepening the financial strain across the system.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured that the Indian Super League will eventually resume, but has acknowledged that timelines are contingent on the Supreme Court’s ruling. In the meantime, clubs are being forced into uncomfortable decisions just to stay afloat.
🔁 Force majeure and restructuring: How ISL clubs and FSDL are adapting
As Khel Now previously reported on July 11, multiple clubs had been exploring the option of invoking force majeure clauses to suspend or end contracts. Still, they were unable to proceed due to a lack of formal communication. That changed when FSDL issued an official statement confirming the suspension of the 2025–26 season.
Earlier this year, FSDL proposed a major overhaul of the league’s business structure. A profit-and-loss sharing arrangement would replace the current guaranteed-cash model. A new holding company would be formed to manage and commercialise the league.
This would represent a fundamental shift from the current model, where FSDL holds full control of ISL operations under the Master Rights Agreement.
With no solution in sight and financial stress mounting, all eyes are now on AIFF and FSDL to resolve the impasse before more clubs are forced into making similar, difficult decisions.
Bengaluru FC confirm their status officially
“In view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season, Bengaluru Football Club has taken what is a very difficult decision of indefinitely suspending the salaries of players and staff belonging to the First Team.
Running and sustaining a football club in India has always been an uphill climb, one that we have put everything aside and made, season after season.
However, the lack of clarity on the League’s future leaves us with no choice but to take this step. The future and well-being of our players, staff and their families is of utmost importance to us, and we are in touch with them as we wait for a resolution.
The Club remains committed to growing and developing the sport and our operations with our youth teams – men and women, and BFC Soccer Schools remain unaffected by this decision.
We urge the AIFF and FSDL to end this impasse swiftly. The uncertainty benefits no one, and a prompt resolution is vital for the future of Indian football. ” the official statement from the club read.
Comments
Practice matches + Final against a solid BD
A wholesome test for a player like Suhail
This works. I wish I was u-23 I would have signed up for this program and train with Messi and Ronaldo to becomes the next best thing. 10 days is too long. I am ok to do even 5 days if AIFF has budget issues.
Proof: Trust me bro!
https://thebridge.in/football/india-beat-mongolia-womens-asian-cup-qualifier-53632
Atleast train our women with the budget after disbanding the men's team. We might actually have a chance to play the world cup and have women playing in other countries.
Our women are so much better in terms of travelling out and playing in other countries. I don't see the guys leaving behind their bloated salaries.
As Bhutia rightly pointed out, there is no proof that these individuals are actively working on the PIO issue. If they can post online to mock him, why can’t they respond to his allegations and provide evidence of any actions they’ve taken on this matter?
Not a single player has confirmed that AIFF has been in touch with them. It’s unclear how AIFF claims to be in contact with 33 players, especially when there’s no evidence to back this up. Similarly, there is no proof of any efforts or involvement from the government on this issue.
One positive takeaway is that Stimac raised the OCI issue during his meeting with PM Modi on his trip to Croatia. At least someone managed to bring it to the Prime Minister’s attention (even though expecting Modi to act on it might be unrealistic). The sheer incompetence of this committee is evident—Stimac had pushed for OCI player eligibility when he was the coach, yet they pretended to work on it without any real progress. It’s unfortunate that, even after leaving his position, Stimac had to take it upon himself to highlight the issue, knowing full well that AIFF would likely do nothing.
Clubs informed to prepare for contingencies as talks for renewal remain inconclusive.
https://x.com/RevSportzGlobal/status/1943676293893267886
Calling Indian football a circus right now would be a terrible injustice to circuses. After all, when they come to town, circuses bring chaos but also fun and frivolity and a lot of entertainment. This is just pure chaos. Over the past few months, the Indian football ecosystem, which has always seemed to be on the edge, has gone clean off it, spiraling to depths we weren't sure were achievable.
On Friday, the latest depth was explored. Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) -- the Reliance backed entity that runs the ISL -- said it's impossible to plan for a league when their current agreement with the AIFF will expire one-thirds of the way into it and told the clubs that they'd put the league on hold.
The absolute worst part is that everyone saw it coming from a mile off. Negotiations had been on for several months, say sources, with a new ownership structure a key sticking point -- but the federation only decided to constitute a 'negotiation committee' in early April.
And that happened after the Supreme Court had commenced hearing a case regarding the AIFF constitution in late March. Towards the end of April, the SC had reserved its verdict while also directing the current administration to not take any major decision until the final verdict is made on the constitution (that is slated for July 18). Essentially, that's because if the verdict calls for fresh elections, any negotiations with FSDL over the Master Rights Agreement would need to happen with the new committee.
We talk about it almost flippantly, but this is an issue that affects the lives of thousands: from the many that are employed by the ISL across playing, non-playing, support departments whose immediate futures are up in the air to the fans, who must be going through some serious emotional upheaval.
It grates so much because it's so basic. Running a league smoothly should probably be classified a primary function of a national football federation but for the first time since the National Football League was introduced in 1996, India faces existential uncertainty over the start of a top division season.
Now, if you want to know what the current system would look like without the ISL all you need to do is look to the wholly-AIFF run second division (formerly first), I-League. Months after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, we're still not sure who the winners are (sorry, Churchill Brothers), because that's pending a decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Switzerland. A case that was brought about only because the AIFF Appeals Committee said rulings on player eligibility made by the AIFF Leagues Committee and the AIFF Disciplinary Committee were wrong. Naturally. Churchill were awarded the trophy in a grand ceremony and then promptly asked to give it back.
Oh, and we've not even gotten to the Indian national team (men's) yet, have we?
The federation fell out with ex-coach Igor Stimac, fired him, and drama ensued regarding Stimac's compensation for the premature ending of his contract. They finally settled on approx. Rs 3.36 crore (USD 400,000) but that wasn't before Stimac dragged the AIFF, the ISL and anyone else within his reach through the metaphorical mud. The Federation then appointed FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez as their national team head coach, while he still remained FC Goa's coach... and that ended in predictable, dismal failure.
In a press conference called after India's loss to Hong Kong, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey didn't really address any of this, instead choosing to read out the team's results, put on an exceptionally dull defence of his reign, moot suggestions like having a 'world-class striker' give a crash course in finishing to the senior team's forwards, and launch an attack on Bhaichung Bhutia's coaching centres. At least, though, the national team director Subrata Paul had narrowed down the key issues a few weeks earlier: to 'player attitude', 'overall team spirit', and *checks notes* 'patriotism'. Nail, meet hammer.
The few positives that exist here happen despite the system, not because of it. Do remember, for instance, that any attempt to pin the success of the remarkable Indian national team (women's) on the AIFF's handling of them must be dismissed forthwith.
For theirs is an incompetence that permeates all layers of Indian football. You don't even have to look too far back: On July 10, the Madras High Court annulled the Tamil Nadu Football Association elections, saying there were procedural lapses (ineligible FA members were allowed to vote) and ordered fresh elections to be conducted soon.
From top to bottom, the Indian football 'pyramid' has rarely been as shaky as it is today. For the average football fan, there's nothing to do but hope, pray, and wait. Right now, the national team (men's) doesn't have a coach. The pending Supreme Court verdict may, or may not, invite FIFA sanctions (anyone remember the chaos before the U17 Women's World Cup?). There may, or may not, be a first division this season. Chaos reigns supreme.
In his introduction to that Vision 2047 document, Kalyan Chaubey had written, "together, we can aspire to take Indian football to peaks never scaled before." Well, at least that 'never before' bit is spot on.
https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/45718142/with-indian-super-league-isl-2025-26-hold-aiff-enters-new-depths-incompetence-football
https://khelnow.com/football/indian-football-isl-bengaluru-fc-salary-hold
Bengaluru FC have informed their players that salaries for July will be held back for now, owing to the continued uncertainty surrounding the pre-season and the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
At the centre of this disruption is the unresolved Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited. The Supreme Court is yet to announce its decision on the AIFF’s draft constitution case. Until then, the federation has been restricted from entering into any new negotiations with FSDL
FSDL had already notified clubs that they are unable to move forward with the upcoming season due to the legal standstill.
The deadlock has caused significant disruption. Eight clubs, including Bengaluru FC, have sent a joint letter to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, seeking urgent clarity and dialogue. Several clubs have already suspended pre-season activities, held back on recruitment, and opted out of the 2025 Durand Cup.
Earlier today, the AIFF confirmed that senior officials will meet with the CEOs of the eight concerned clubs in New Delhi on Thursday, August 7, to assess the situation and chart a possible path forward.
⚠️ Salary delays begin as clubs struggle with financial visibility
As Khel Now reported previously, Odisha FC had suspended all player contracts in light of the same uncertainty.
Bengaluru FC have now followed suit.
This has been independently verified by Khel Now through three individuals closely linked to the club.
📉 Youth development and national team prep hit hard
The broader football ecosystem is also feeling the heat. With academies inactive and club operations on hold, player development is being severely compromised. The national team is also affected, as India heads into the September and October FIFA windows without competitive domestic football.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured that the Indian Super League will eventually resume, but has acknowledged that timelines are contingent on the Supreme Court’s ruling. In the meantime, clubs are being forced into uncomfortable decisions just to stay afloat.
🔁 Force majeure and restructuring: How ISL clubs and FSDL are adapting
As Khel Now previously reported on July 11, multiple clubs had been exploring the option of invoking force majeure clauses to suspend or end contracts. Still, they were unable to proceed due to a lack of formal communication. That changed when FSDL issued an official statement confirming the suspension of the 2025–26 season.
Earlier this year, FSDL proposed a major overhaul of the league’s business structure. A profit-and-loss sharing arrangement would replace the current guaranteed-cash model. A new holding company would be formed to manage and commercialise the league.
This would represent a fundamental shift from the current model, where FSDL holds full control of ISL operations under the Master Rights Agreement.
With no solution in sight and financial stress mounting, all eyes are now on AIFF and FSDL to resolve the impasse before more clubs are forced into making similar, difficult decisions.
Bengaluru FC confirm their status officially