08.08.2025 10:48
Financial Strain Leads Bengaluru FC to Suspend Salaries of Sunil Chhetri and Teammates
Updated on: Aug 05, 2025 07:13 am IST
Bengaluru FC has decided to put players’ salaries on hold amid growing uncertainty over the future of ISL.
Bengaluru FC has confirmed the “indefinite” suspension of salaries for players and coaching staff due to uncertainty over the Indian Super League’s (ISL) future. A stalemate between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) leaves the continuation of India’s top football tournament in question.
The upcoming ISL season has already been flagged as “on hold” per the FSDL’s communication to clubs sent last month.
Bengaluru FC’s official statement expressed: “In view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season, Bengaluru Football Club has made the difficult decision of indefinitely suspending the salaries of players and staff. Running a football club in India is hard work, and though we’ve persevered every season, the lack of clarity leaves us no option. The well-being of players, staff, and their families is our priority, and we are in touch with them as we await a resolution.”
The club also pleaded with the AIFF and FSDL to resolve the deadlock quickly for the sake of Indian football.
“We urge the AIFF and FSDL to swiftly resolve the impasse. The uncertainty is unproductive, and a prompt resolution is crucial for the future of Indian football,” the club stated.
“Despite this decision, our operations with youth teams—men, women, and BFC Soccer Schools—remain unaffected,” the statement concluded.
AIFF officials to meet ISL clubs
The official Indian football account announced the AIFF will hold discussions with CEOs from eight ISL clubs on August 7, 2025, to address the unresolved issues halting the tournament.
“AIFF officials will convene with CEOs from eight Indian Super League clubs on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in New Delhi, to address issues related to #IndianFootball,” the account posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The inaugural ISL season launched in 2014, with Atletico de Kolkata as champions. Eleven seasons later, Mohun Bagan Super Giant claimed the 2024-25 title.