Sunil Chhetri’s Salary Suspended: Bengaluru FC Take Big Step Amid ISL Row

A Shockwave Through Indian Football

In a development that has shaken the very core of Indian football, Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Bengaluru FC has taken the unprecedented decision of suspending player and staff salaries indefinitely amid growing uncertainty over the upcoming domestic season. Among those impacted is Indian football’s most iconic figure, Sunil Chhetri, whose contract, like that of his teammates and support staff, now hangs in suspension.

This bold move by one of the country’s most professionally-run clubs is a loud alarm bell, signaling the gravity of the ongoing crisis between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) — the commercial partner of the ISL — and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The dispute between these two central stakeholders has already halted pre-season preparations and now, with Bengaluru FC’s action, threatens to throw the league into a deeper spiral.

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BFC’s Official Statement: A Cry for Clarity

In a detailed and emotionally charged statement posted across its social media platforms, Bengaluru FC didn’t mince words about the decision or the motivations behind it.

The statement continued to underline the financial and emotional toll the uncertainty has taken:

While calling the decision a last resort, the club emphasized that it had been forced into this situation by a complete lack of clarity from the league organizers and governing body. Importantly, Bengaluru FC stated that the youth programs and BFC Soccer Schools would continue operations as normal, underlining the club’s long-term commitment to football development in the country.

Sunil Chhetri Impacted

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing element of this development is that Sunil Chhetri, one of the most decorated footballers in Indian history, will also not be receiving his salary. Though now retired from international duty, Chhetri remains a key figure for Bengaluru FC — not just as a player, but as a cultural and motivational pillar.

Chhetri, who had signed a final contract extension before retiring from international football earlier this year, has yet to make a public statement. However, sources close to the veteran striker indicate that he has taken the decision “with disappointment but understanding,” as he too has become increasingly concerned about the state of the ISL and its future.

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A League on Pause

The ISL, once touted as the beacon of professional football in India, now finds itself at a crossroads. Tensions between FSDL — the league’s commercial arm,

which has powered much of ISL’s growth since its inception in 2014 — and the AIFF have been steadily escalating. The AIFF has publicly expressed concern over the lack of transparency in league operations, governance, and revenue-sharing models.

In turn, FSDL has accused the AIFF of making unilateral decisions without consulting other stakeholders, including clubs and broadcast partners.

This tug-of-war has brought the 2025–26 season to a standstill, with no clear start date and clubs left in the lurch regarding scheduling, budgeting, and transfers. Bengaluru FC’s salary suspension could be the first domino in a series of disruptive decisions by other franchises also under financial strain.

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The AIFF’s Response

In an effort to de-escalate the crisis, the AIFF has called for an emergency meeting with the CEOs of eight ISL clubs, including Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and others. The meeting, expected to take place in Delhi later this week, will focus on “addressing the current status and direction of Indian football.”

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has called the situation “deeply concerning” and acknowledged that “the health of our domestic league reflects the health of Indian football.” However, critics argue that the federation has failed to provide concrete roadmaps or financial support for clubs amid the turmoil.

The AIFF is reportedly working on a backup league format in case the ISL doesn’t proceed under FSDL’s banner, but this move has been met with skepticism by clubs who view it as reactionary and logistically implausible.

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Financial Fallout

Bengaluru FC’s action highlights just how precarious the financial sustainability of Indian clubs can be — even for a relatively well-backed and professionally managed club like BFC. While owned by the JSW Group and considered one of the more stable ISL teams, the club’s financial model still relies heavily on league revenue distribution, matchday income, sponsorships, and broadcast rights — all of which are currently in limbo.

Insiders suggest that other clubs are on the verge of making similar announcements, with at least three franchises considering partial salary deferrals or furloughs if the impasse continues.

Many Indian footballers, especially those without national team exposure or lucrative endorsement deals, depend solely on club salaries. For them, this crisis could mean missing rent payments or being forced to take alternative jobs to make ends meet.

Fan Reactions and Public Sentiment

The Indian football community has responded with a mix of frustration and sympathy. Bengaluru FC supporters have flooded social media with messages of solidarity for players and staff, but have also voiced anger toward the league and federation for failing to resolve matters earlier.

A prominent BFC supporters group released a statement saying:

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What’s Next?

The immediate future of Indian football now depends on whether a resolution can be found — and fast. With pre-season already lost and the FIFA calendar ticking, any further delays could mean missing out on continental competition slots, damaging India’s already tenuous club ranking in Asia.

A few possible outcomes are now being discussed:

• Reconciliation between AIFF and FSDL, allowing ISL to resume with revised terms.

• Temporary independent league format, managed directly by AIFF — although with major operational risks.

• Legal arbitration or court intervention, which could delay the league indefinitely.

Either way, Bengaluru FC’s decision to suspend salaries may prove to be a turning point. It’s a clear sign that clubs are no longer willing to bear the cost of systemic indecision and organizational wrangling.

Final Thoughts

Indian football stands at a precipice. What was once a promising and ambitious ecosystem built around the ISL is now threatened by administrative misalignment and financial uncertainty. The decision to suspend Sunil Chhetri’s salary — a move no one would have predicted even months ago — symbolizes just how grave the situation has become.

Bengaluru FC has chosen transparency and tough love to spark a response, and in doing so, may have triggered the uncomfortable but necessary reckoning Indian football needs.

Whether this ultimately results in reform or regression depends on what happens next. But one thing is certain — there is no room left for silence or delay.

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