Amid uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League, Bengaluru FC has stopped paying its players and staff, pointing to operational difficulties and the absence of clear direction.
Bengaluru FC, one of the most prominent clubs in Indian football and the 2018-19 Indian Super League (ISL) champions, has taken the drastic step of suspending salaries for players and staff indefinitely. The club attributed its tough decision to the ongoing uncertainty about the ISL’s future and the overall trajectory of Indian football.
The development comes ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled in New Delhi on Thursday, where the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will meet with the CEOs of the eight ISL clubs to address growing concerns. With the 2025-26 ISL season officially put “on hold” last month by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league’s commercial partner, clubs are left in limbo regarding planning, logistics, and financial commitments.
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— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) August 4, 2025
The existing 15-year Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and FSDL is set to expire on December 8, right in the middle of the ISL season. However, due to an ongoing case regarding the AIFF’s draft constitution, the Supreme Court has restrained the federation from signing any new deals until a verdict is delivered. This has put a freeze on future negotiations and strategic planning, impacting clubs like Bengaluru FC that rely on clarity for operational continuity.
In a public statement, Bengaluru FC expressed regret over the move, calling it a last resort. “Running a football club in India has always been a challenge, and with no clarity on the league’s future, we are left with no option,” the club said. However, the club confirmed that its youth programs, women’s teams, and BFC Soccer Schools will remain unaffected and continue without disruption.
Despite the AIFF’s repeated assurances that the league will go on as planned, there has been minimal tangible progress in breaking the deadlock, leaving players, staff, and other stakeholders unsure about the future of India’s premier football league.
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