Sunil Chhetri Voices Concern Over Indian Super League Suspension Amid MRA Uncertainty

Last Updated Jul - 16 - 2025, 05:42 PM | Source : Fela News

Footballer Sunil Chhetri says Indian football is “worried, hurt, and scared” after the ISL season is put on hold due to unresolved MRA issues between FSDL and A

Former Indian football captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri expressed deep concern on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) over the ongoing "uncertainty" surrounding Indian football, particularly with the indefinite suspension of the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL). Chhetri, who plays for Bengaluru FC, said that he has been flooded with calls and messages from across the football ecosystem — players, staff, physiotherapists, and others — all worried about the future of the sport.

When my phone went off a few weeks ago informing us of a delay in pre-season by a fortnight, I must admit it made me smile. And that’s because I was on vacation, hadn’t moved as much as I would have liked to, and hadn’t been eating as clean as I usually do. I had more time than I… pic.twitter.com/pEGyr8Sp5O
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) July 16, 2025

“What started as a personal concern about my own playing time has now turned into a broader realization — this isn’t just my problem. The situation Indian football is in right now is truly troubling,” Chhetri wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Everyone in the football community is feeling anxious, hurt, and scared about what lies ahead.”

ISL Halted Over MRA Uncertainty

The ISL 2025–26 season has been placed "on hold" amid unresolved issues regarding the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The MRA, which grants FSDL the rights to manage, broadcast, and monetise Indian football, including the national team, is due to expire on December 8, 2025. However, the Supreme Court has barred AIFF from negotiating new terms until a ruling is made in the ongoing case concerning the federation’s draft constitution.

FSDL-AIFF Relationship

Under the 2010 agreement, FSDL pays AIFF ₹50 crore annually in exchange for exclusive commercial rights. With the MRA renewal process on hold, uncertainty has cast a shadow over the upcoming ISL season, which typically runs from September to April.

Chhetri admitted that he initially welcomed the league delay because it gave him more time to train while on vacation, but his mood changed once the postponement became indefinite. “What started as a brief break has now stretched endlessly — and that initial relief has turned into concern,” he said.

Despite the anxiety in the footballing community, Chhetri urged everyone to remain composed. “I know those in charge are working hard to find a resolution. I may not have all the answers, but to everyone whose livelihoods are tied to football — players, staff, kit handlers, medical teams, production and ops crews — please stay calm. Let’s support each other through this,” he said.

He also stressed that football will return eventually. “Keep training, keep improving. The game must — and will — come back.”

The AIFF, meanwhile, stated that it is fully aware of the ISL’s importance but is obliged to follow the Supreme Court’s directive in the matter.

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Sunil Chhetri Voices Concern Over Indian Super League Suspension Amid MRA Uncertainty

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