The dispute stems from a July 2024 contract termination by Anwar Ali of his parent club Delhi FC, followed by his engagement with East Bengal before the transfer was cleared by the AIFF’s Player Status Committee (PSC). In September, the PSC ruled the termination was “without just cause” and ordered Ali banned for four months, while also imposing two transfer-window bans on East Bengal and Delhi FC. 

Mohun Bagan claimed they had been left waiting as the appeal process stalled. In their letter, the club stated:

“The dispute… remains unresolved to date. Despite the passage of more than sixteen months, the matter has not progressed owing to repeated postponements, unilateral adjournments, and significant procedural irregularities. This prolonged delay has effectively denied MBSG timely justice and has caused the Club substantial sporting, financial, and regulatory prejudice.” 

FIFA’s secretariat replied:

“…we can confirm that we will contact your association in due course with regards to the relevant proceedings, as necessary. We thank you for taking note of the above. We remain available for anything further.” 

With FIFA now stepping in, the spotlight is firmly on the AIFF to clarify the reasons for the long delay and set a clear timeline to resolve the case. For Indian football, the outcome may set an important precedent for how player transfers and disputes are managed going forward.

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During an online meeting with club officials and captains on Wednesday, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey explained the situation clearly, saying:

“If we get legal direction by November 29, we have more than a month to complete the procedures… Whether we have to re-tender, revise the tender or whatever is required, it will be done after directions from the Court.”

He also addressed concerns about the tight calendar, adding:

“We can have multi-city matches, maybe three or four in a day if needed. Finishing 180 matches in 150 days is logical, not impossible.”

The delays began after the ISL’s commercial rights tender received no bids, leaving clubs without clarity and forcing several of them to pause training. Players and staff have been worried about schedules, contracts, and the long-term impact on Indian football.

The AIFF will submit its report to the Supreme Court before the end of the month, after which a final decision on the league’s commercial rights will be made. If things go as planned, the ISL will kick off between January and May 2026.

For now, clubs, players, and fans are hoping the new year marks the long-awaited return of India’s top league and a much-needed step toward stability in Indian football.

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With the ISL yet to kick off due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the league’s commercial rights and future structure, players have expressed growing concern about the delay and its impact on their careers and livelihoods.

“This is a plea to all those involved in running our sport in the country, to do whatever it takes to get the football season underway. India needs its competitive football now more than ever,” the players said in a collective message and many of them have made a video or post regarding it and posted it on social media.

The situation has left hundreds of players, coaches, and support staff in limbo, with clubs suspending training and operations as they await clarity from the AIFF. The delay has also raised concerns about India’s footballing progress, as the ISL serves as the country’s top professional league and a vital platform for developing talent.

Players have highlighted that the uncertainty not only affects their income and stability but also threatens to undo years of progress made in professionalizing Indian football. The appeal reflects the shared frustration and urgency felt across the football community.

As things stand, the AIFF is yet to announce the next steps for the league. Players, fans, and clubs now await a clear decision and the one that could determine the immediate future of Indian football and ensure that the sport continues to grow.

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The post Indian Footballers Unite, Urge AIFF to Resolve ISL Uncertainty and Restart Season appeared first on Football Counter.