Read Bengali: ISL অন্ধকারে! অনিশ্চিত ১৫০ ফুটবলারের ভবিষ্যৎ

Among them are more than 20 players who currently represent or have recently represented the Indian national team. With no clarity on the structure or timeline of the upcoming season, many of these players are now facing an uncertain future.

Contract Expiries Add to Concerns

A large number of player contracts expired on Sunday. Under normal circumstances, clubs and players would already be negotiating renewals or new deals before the start of a new campaign. However, this year the situation is far from normal.

Ongoing disagreements between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL clubs have created uncertainty over how the next season will be conducted. As a result, clubs have been reluctant to finalize squad plans, leaving many players in limbo.

Fallout from Expired Master Rights Agreement

The 2025-26 season itself was conducted under unusual circumstances after the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and its former commercial partners. Instead of the traditional full home-and-away format, the league was shortened and featured 14 teams in a revised structure.

With the season now over, many players have officially become free agents, meaning they are free to negotiate and sign with any club. AIFF has set the player registration window from June 12 to August 31.

National Team Stars Also Affected

Several high-profile Indian footballers are among those whose contracts have expired. These include India captain Sandesh Jhingan and experienced defender Rahul Bheke, both of whom have been key figures for the national team over the years.

A number of other established ISL players are also facing similar uncertainty as clubs delay recruitment decisions.

Mohun Bagan Awaiting Clarity

ISL giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant are reportedly seeking clarity from AIFF regarding the format of the upcoming season. Club officials want to know whether the competition will return to a full-length format or continue in a shortened version.

The answer will play a major role in determining the club’s budget, transfer strategy and squad planning.

Mohun Bagan are also expected to part ways with several foreign players, including Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings, signaling significant changes ahead.

Players Could Be the Biggest Losers

Football experts believe players may suffer the most from the current uncertainty. As free agents, many footballers could find themselves in a weaker negotiating position than usual.

In a stable market, strong performances often help players secure improved contracts and higher salaries. However, with clubs unsure about budgets and league commitments, teams are likely to offer lower-value deals, reducing players’ bargaining power.

AIFF and Clubs Yet to Reach Agreement

The core issue remains disagreements over the league’s future commercial structure. ISL clubs want greater control over the league’s financial interests, while AIFF is keen to maintain its own stake and authority.

Although club representatives and AIFF officials met in Kolkata last month, the discussions failed to produce a breakthrough.

A recent Special General Meeting decided that AIFF’s Executive Committee would continue discussions regarding a new Master Rights Agreement. Only after approval from the federation’s General Body will a final decision be taken on the league’s commercial partner and future structure.

Until then, the future of India’s premier football league and the careers of more than 150 footballers remain clouded by uncertainty.

With nearly 400 career appearances, Noguera brings considerable experience and pedigree to Chennaiyin FC, having enjoyed a long and successful career across Spain, England, Azerbaijan, and India. Over the years, he has established himself as a proven performer at the highest level of the Indian game, collecting major domestic honours, including the Indian Super League, the Indian Super League Cup, and the Durand Cup.

আইএসএল শুরুর আগেই এই স্প্যানিশ তারকাকে নিয়ে সুখবর দিল চেন্নাই

Upon joining Chennaiyin FC, Noguera said, “I’m really happy and excited as I look ahead to the new season after everything that has happened. I’ve already worked with the head coach and know many of the players, which gives me a lot of confidence heading into this new chapter. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopeful for a strong season ahead. It won’t be easy, but despite all the issues the ISL has gone through, I’m confident that we’ll give our best and work hard to deliver good performances.”

Born in Madrid, Noguera progressed through the youth ranks at Getafe and local side SS Reyes, before eventually earning a move to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. After rising through the reserve ranks, he made his first-team debut during the 2010–11 season. From there, Noguera went on to enjoy spells in England and Azerbaijan, before returning to Spain in 2014, where he featured extensively across the second and third divisions.

The midfielder arrived in the Indian Super League in 2020, going on to make more than 90 appearances across five seasons for three clubs, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcoming the club’s latest signing, head coach Clifford Miranda said, “In Noguera, we are getting quality & consistency. His calmness & control in the middle will help give the team stability. He is someone who has been around for a long time and is very familiar with ISL. He has a very good rapport with the players, encouraging & pushing them.”

Noguera’s arrival follows the recent signing of Imran Khan, as Chennaiyin FC continue to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season. The Spaniard will link up with his new teammates in the coming days and begin training as the Marina Machans step up preparations for the campaign ahead.

The action begins at 16:00 IST with a clash between 2024 champions East Bengal FC and first-time semi-finalists Punjab FC. Later, at 20:00 IST, defending champions FC Goa face Mumbai City FC. Both matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.

Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

Semi-final 1: East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC (16:00 IST)

Both teams arrive with momentum after navigating two of the competition’s toughest groups.
East Bengal sealed their spot with a gritty 0–0 draw against rivals Mohun Bagan SG, while Punjab FC advanced after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Bengaluru FC, having produced an identical defensive record with no goals conceded in the group stage.

Bruzon: “We trust our identity and game model.”

East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón highlighted the long-term preparation behind his team’s campaign:

“Our preparation has been ongoing for months. We started training in July, played pre-season tournaments, and integrated new players. This helped us build automatisms and collective understanding. We feel mature in what we do, and tomorrow we must bring that onto the pitch.”

Full-back Jay Gupta also emphasised the team’s motivation:

“This tournament offers a spot in Asia, something our fans truly deserve. We’re fully prepared and excited to get on the pitch.”

East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

Respect for Punjab’s defence

Punjab FC’s defensive solidity has been one of the stories of the tournament. When asked about possible weaknesses, Bruzón maintained a respectful but cautious tone:

“We have huge respect for Punjab. They haven’t conceded once. They’re aggressive, compact, and strong in transitions. We expect changes from them — new players, substitutions, maybe even a different system.”

On handling pressure and expectations from East Bengal’s massive fan base, Bruzón added:

“At East Bengal, if you don’t understand what it means to be part of this club, the job becomes difficult. We play with hunger and commitment. Thinking about the final or Asia now would distract us.”

Punjab FC: Calm, confident, and ready

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:

“After qualifying, the players got a deserved break. Then we had three and a half weeks of full training and friendlies to fine-tune the team.”

Midfielder Leon Augustine echoed the positive mood:

“We’ve worked hard and had a good run in the group stage. The long training period helped. There’s no pressure on us — East Bengal are a good team, but we’re ready.”

Dilmperis on East Bengal and knockout football

Despite East Bengal defeating Punjab twice last ISL season — including a 4–2 comeback victory in Kolkata — Dilmperis remained measured:

“East Bengal are strong in every department. We respect them.”

On Punjab’s defensive focus, he added:

“A clean sheet is crucial in knockout football — it helps in extra time or penalties. We’d love to have possession, but we’re ready for any scenario.”

আইএসএল নিয়ে ধোঁয়াশা, আশঙ্কায় বোরহা হেরেরা

It was expected that either the FSDL or some other organization might submit a bid, but that did not happen. As a result, the future of India’s top-division league currently remains in deep uncertainty. Notably, since last Friday, Mohun Bagan Super Giant announced that they would suspend team training indefinitely. Additionally, several other top-division clubs have become largely inactive in forming their squads, causing widespread concern.

Amid this, Spanish star Borja Herrera has publicly expressed his concern on social media. Sharing several photos of himself playing in the FC Goa jersey, he wrote, “In the absence of the ISL (it seems the situation is getting worse every day), we are still enjoying the Champions League even after defeats.” His comments have drawn significant attention from fans.

Recently, FC Goa played the second leg of the ACL 2 against Al Nassr, where they faced a heavy defeat against João Félix’s side. Despite limited resources, their fighting spirit caught the attention of football enthusiasts. Maintaining continuity in international tournaments, the team also aims to target the Super Cup victory under the guidance of Manolo Márquez.

গভীর অন্ধকারে ISL, সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ায় ‘বিস্ফোরক’ লাল-হলুদ সৌভিক!

According to an earlier announcement, the deadline for bid submission was set for November 5. However, following requests from multiple organizations, the federation’s tender committee extended the deadline to November 7. Many had hoped that FSDA or another organization might submit a bid, but with no activity on Friday either, widespread concern emerged. Consequently, there is now significant uncertainty about whether the Indian Super League will take place this year.

In this situation, one of the country’s strongest football clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has decided to suspend team training indefinitely. Meanwhile, East Bengal’s president Debashish Dutta and secretary Srijanjoy Basu expressed their frustration over the ISL. The pressing question now is: will the ISL happen, and if so, when? Experts believe that if no organization takes responsibility by the end of November, it will be nearly impossible to start the league before late January or February. The federation’s next decision will determine the fate of India’s biggest football league.

In the midst of this issue, East Bengal player and Bengali footballer Souvik Chakraborty shared his views on social media. He wrote: “The failure of the ISL bid is not just a business failure. For me, it reflects the deep-rooted problems in Indian football administration. This is not just about a league. When the top tier of Indian football is uncertain, it impacts everyone—from grassroots children to the national level. Behind every club and match are players, coaches, support staff, countless fans, and those who work quietly off the field to keep the game alive. Their dedicated efforts deserve clear direction, accountability, and faith in the system that asks them to give their all.

What we need now is transparency, planning, and unity. Every participant, from players and professionals to fans and those working inside and outside the field, deserves a framework that values their love for the game and helps move football forward. I truly hope this issue is resolved as soon as possible—not just for the top level, but for the future of Indian football. For the love of Indian football.”

আইএসএলের অনিশ্চয়তার মধ্যে অনির্দিষ্টকালের জন্য ‘বনধ’ বাগানের অনুশীলন

𝗡𝗘𝗪 : Mohun Bagan suspends senior team’s operation indefinitely after AIFF fails to get any bidder for ISL tender @SayanMukherjee4 pic.twitter.com/p1OL6IYZYp

— Mohun Bagan Hub (@MohunBaganHub) November 7, 2025

According to the club’s management, training has been put on hold until there is clarity regarding the league’s future. The club has informed its players that no preparatory activities will begin under the current circumstances. Although the players are currently on leave, the uncertainty has caused concern among fans.

The federation’s tender committee had initially set November 5 as the deadline for bid submission. After several requests from organizations, it was extended to November 7. While there was hope that FSDL or another organization might submit a bid at the last moment, no interest was shown by Friday.

Sources revealed that FSDL had sent nearly 200 questions to the federation before submitting a bid. However, due to disagreements over financial obligations and relegation procedures, no final resolution was reached. In particular, the annual payment condition of ₹37.5 crore and the mandatory “championship and relegation” clause created complications between the two parties.

Fans have grown increasingly concerned about Mohun Bagan’s decision. Although the players are on leave, the suspension of training has heightened anxiety among the green-and-maroon supporters. Some players, including Jamie MacLaren and Jason Cummings, have gone on personal trips.

The uncertainty surrounding the ISL and Mohun Bagan’s suspension of training has cast a shadow over Indian football fans. Football enthusiasts are now waiting for clarity from the federation and hope for a definitive decision on the league’s future.

শনির দৃষ্টিতে ভারতীয় ফুটবল! অনিশ্চিয়তার মুখে দেশের শীর্ষ লিগ

Initially, the deadline for bid submission was set for November 5. However, following requests from multiple organizations, the AIFF’s tender committee extended it to November 7. There was hope that FSDL or some other entity might submit a bid at the last moment. But when no bids came in by Friday, the ISL’s future became even more uncertain.

Sources revealed that before the bid deadline, FSDL had sent nearly 200 questions to the AIFF’s tender committee, which were answered in detail. Still, major disagreements remained between the two sides on key issues.

The biggest points of contention were financial obligations and the promotion-relegation system. FSDL raised objections to the requirement of paying ₹37.5 crore annually, but the committee made it clear that this payment was mandatory. Additionally, the federation firmly stated that, as per the Supreme Court’s directive, India’s top-tier football league must include both a championship and a relegation system.

Meanwhile, clubs and vendors — who usually begin preparations well in advance of the ISL season — now find themselves in limbo. Many in the football community believe that FSDL might only be willing to take up responsibility if it can do so on its own terms.

This uncertainty has raised pressing questions: Will the ISL take place at all? If so, when? Experts feel that if no organization steps forward by late November, it will be nearly impossible to start the league before the end of January or February. The AIFF’s next move will therefore determine the direction — and perhaps the very survival — of India’s biggest football league.

AIFF Statement #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/z0da2txWIo

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) November 7, 2025

ক্লাব ফুটবল নিয়ে ‘বিরাট’ ঘোষণার পর অবসর নিলেন সুনীল

Chhetri himself stated, “My journey with the national team is over. But my association with Bengaluru FC continues. If I can perform well this season, I may also bring my professional football career to a close.”

Earlier this year, Chhetri made a surprising return to the Indian national team for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. With India failing to qualify, he has decided that his international career is officially over.

“I had returned only to help the team qualify. There was no other reason. If qualification hadn’t been possible, I probably wouldn’t have come back. Now that it’s clear, I have informed the coach and he understands,” Chhetri said.

After Khalid Jamil took over as head coach, Chhetri communicated his decision. His form with Bengaluru FC—14 goals in the Indian Super League (ISL)—was a major factor behind his recall to the national side. However, during his comeback, he managed just one goal in six matches, ending his international career with 95 goals.

Sunil Chhetri closes India chapter

“For me, there are no regrets. The regret is that we did not qualify for the Asian Cup. For the four games (in the qualifiers) I really gave my best.”https://t.co/VbQORs7ga2

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) November 6, 2025

The 42-year-old legend reflected, “I have no regrets. Not qualifying for the Asian Cup is disappointing, but I have always given my best.” He added, “This season, I aim to score 15 goals and then retire. I want my final years in football to be dignified.”

Sunil Chhetri is not only a national icon but also one of Asia’s brightest football stars. His retirement marks an emotional moment for Indian football fans, who will now cherish the memories of his extraordinary career while enjoying his remaining season with Bengaluru FC.