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Chennaiyin FC has suspended operations due to ISL’s uncertain future. The AIFF’s Master Rights Agreement expires on December 8, and legal issues prevent renegotiation.
Chennaiyin FC (X)
Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC have officially suspended operations of their first-team players and staff, citing ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the league.
The club confirmed the decision through a statement released on social media, calling it a “difficult but necessary” step in light of current developments.
The decision follows Bengaluru FC’s announcement earlier this week to freeze first-team salaries, as a growing number of ISL clubs find themselves in limbo.
The 15-year Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited, the federation’s commercial and marketing partner, is all set to expire on December 8.
The AIFF, however, has been restrained from renegotiating the agreement or entering into new contracts until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the federation’s draft constitution, a case that remains unresolved.
This legal deadlock has left clubs, players, and commercial partners unable to plan effectively for the coming season.
Chennaiyin’s Statement: “A Difficult Decision for the Family”
In a heartfelt message to fans and stakeholders, Chennaiyin FC emphasized that the suspension was not taken lightly:
Financial Strain Mounts Amidst League Suspension
According to multiple reports, the Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani-owned club managed to pay salaries for the month of June but has since been unable to compensate first-team players and staff for July.
The financial strain is reportedly due to the suspension of cash inflows from FSDL, the league’s commercial operator, following the announcement that the 2025–26 ISL season has been put “on hold.”
Chennaiyin FC had already halted its youth operations earlier this year, signaling deeper structural challenges for clubs amid the league’s instability.
In July, FSDL formally announced a pause on the upcoming ISL season, citing unresolved contractual issues. The following day, the AIFF responded by asserting its commitment to ensuring the league continues as planned. However, there has been no substantial progress since then to resolve the situation.
A crucial meeting is now scheduled for August 7, where the AIFF will hold talks with CEOs of all ISL clubs to chart a potential path forward. It is expected to address pressing concerns related to broadcast rights, financial viability, and operational continuity for the 2025–26 season.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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