Chennai
Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) has become the third top-flight Indian Super League (ISL) club, after Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, to temporarily suspend operations due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the league. The decision follows KBFC’s exit from the Super Cup and a prolonged delay in resolving the ISL’s future.
“We were expecting clarity on the ISL earlier this month, as per the timelines. But I know it’s a very pivotal point in the history of the Indian football ecosystem,” KBFC CEO Abhik Chatterjee told media. “There’s a lot that needs to be considered before making decisions. But equally, if you understand from a club standpoint, we are staring into an abyss with no information, which is not good.”
KBFC had initially planned to begin pre-season preparations on July 7. However, the league’s uncertainty caused a pause in planning. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) persuaded the club to participate in the Super Cup, with the expectation that a resolution on the ISL deadlock would be reached by the tournament’s conclusion. Pre-season training eventually began on October 7, nearly three weeks before the Super Cup.
Despite these efforts, the situation has worsened. The tender for a new commercial partner for the ISL attracted no bidders, forcing KBFC to halt operations once again.
“This puts a lot of stress on the owners, obviously, the players, and the staff, because there are specialised staff whose livelihood depends on football,” Chatterjee added. “But I would like to remain an optimist and hope that the sooner we have clarity, the better.”
The suspension highlights the growing challenges faced by Indian football clubs amid administrative delays and financial uncertainties, leaving players, staff, and fans anxious about the future of the ISL season.