“FIFPro criticizes ISL clubs in a letter to FIFA, raising concerns over halted player wages and the league’s unclear future.”

New Delhi: The global players’ union FIFPRO has contacted FIFA to raise concerns about the “alarming situation” affecting Indian Super League footballers, following what it considers the “unlawful” unilateral suspension of their contracts.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty in Indian football stemming from a contractual standoff between the AIFF and its commercial partner FSDL, several ISL clubs have shut down first-team activities and suspended the contracts of players and support staff.

A “significant number of players” have been compelled to turn to FIFPRO, an organization that represents over 65,000 professional footballers around the world.

FIFPRO Secretary General Alex Phillips wrote to his FIFA counterpart Mattias Grafstrom, noting that there is uncertainty surrounding the future of the ISL, which is held under the authority of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

“Unfortunately, there is currently no confirmed timeline for when the next season will begin or how it will be structured, and the lack of financial stability remains a major concern for everyone involved, especially the players we advocate for.

Many players have reached out to FIFPRO and its affiliates to report that several ISL clubs have unilaterally suspended their employment contracts until further notice.

These unlawful suspensions, which directly violate players’ labor rights, along with the overall uncertainty about the ISL’s immediate future, have left players deeply uncertain and distressed, putting their livelihoods and careers at serious risk.