Bengaluru FC on Monday said that it has “indefinitely” suspended salaries of players and staff belonging to its first team, which includes India’s record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri, citing the uncertainty around the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) as a direct reason behind the decision. The club’s statement comes amid growing unease among the Indian football system over the impasse between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sport Development Limited (FSDL), the joint venture that runs the ISL. It has led to the the league’s upcoming season being ‘put on hold’, as stated in the FSDL’s letter to all clubs that went out on early last month.
“In view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season, Bengaluru Football Club has taken what is a very difficult decision of indefinitely suspending the salaries of the players and staff belonging to the first team,” the club, which won the ISL in the 2018/19 season, said in its statement.
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) August 4, 2025
“Running and sustaining a football club in India has always been an uphill climb, one we have put everything aside made, season after season. However the lack of clarity on the League’s future leaves us with no choice but to take this step. The future and well-being of our players, staff and their families is of utmost importance to us, and we are in touch with them as we wait for a resolution.”
The club further said that operations of its other wings remain unaffected by the decision before calling on the AIFF and FSDL to end the impasse. “The club remains committed to growing and developing the sport and our operations with our youth teams – men and women, and BFC Soccer Schools remain unaffected by this decision.
“We urge the AIFF and FSDL to end this impasse swiftly. The uncertainty benefits no one, and a prompt resolution is vital for the future of Indian football,” it said.
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