The league’s restart follows the collapse of a long-term commercial rights agreement between the All India Football Federation and its marketing partner. With no central revenue stream, clubs are now expected to largely fund operations themselves, forcing drastic cost-cutting measures.

Player wages, which make up nearly 70 percent of most club budgets, have become the primary target. Reports suggest:

• Players earning over ₹1 crore are being asked to take 20–25% pay cuts

• Those below ₹1 crore face 10–15% reductions

• Many players have been given a take-it-or-leave-it choice, with the threat of missing the season altogether

Why players are unhappy

Club owners argue survival is at stake. Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal publicly urged players to “sacrifice together,” warning that some clubs could shut down without cooperation. However, former players and staff have questioned why footballers—many already dealing with delayed salaries—should shoulder the burden of a broken financial model they did not create.

While marquee names like Sunil Chhetri remain financially secure, the situation is far harsher for mid-level and fringe players, who depend entirely on ISL contracts for livelihood.

FIFA pressure and squad disruption

The restart was finalised only after government intervention, amid fears that cancelling the domestic season could attract FIFA scrutiny and damage India’s long-term football and Olympic ambitions. However, cracks are already showing:

• Several foreign players are terminating contracts or seeking exits

• Squad stability is weakening across clubs

• Salary negotiations remain unresolved weeks before kickoff

The bigger picture

The ISL’s return ensures Indian football avoids international embarrassment, but it has also laid bare its fragile economic foundation. For players, the league is back—but so is uncertainty. Unless sustainable revenue models and stronger player protections are put in place, this restart may only postpone a deeper crisis rather than resolve it.