World Players Union, FIFPRO’s Asian division, has suggested inclusion of the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) in conflict-mitigating dialogues aimed towards swift resolution of the ongoing standstill in the India Super League due to contractual deadlock.
A week after pointing out to FIFA about the unfair manner where ISL clubs suspended valid contracts of players and staff, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania have urged for a collaboration between the FPAI, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), its marketing partners Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and club owners for a collaborative effort to get the 2025-26 season up and running.
Affiliated to FIFPRO, the FPAI is an association that looks after the welfare of Indian footballers, but it is yet to receive formal recognition from the AIFF.
But the Kolkata-based entity, formed in 2006, has often been involved in the resolution of conflicts related to players, particularly in the matter of contracts.
“The lack of clarity for players over the 2025/26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, arising from a dispute over the league’s organisation and governance that has led to its indefinite suspension, is having a significant impact on their livelihoods, careers, and wellbeing,” Julius Ross, FIFPRO Asia/Ocenia’s media advisor, said in a statement.
“Players have been subjected to unilateral and unlawful suspensions of their employment contracts until further notice. These actions represent a direct breach of the players’ labour rights and are causing significant distress.”
On 12th August, FIFPRO raised its concerns to FIFA after a “significant number of players” had approached them and its members to report unilateral suspensions of their employment contracts until further notice by several ISL clubs.
Speaking on the same vein, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has called for a swift resolution to the “escalating uncertainty” in Indian football, adding that they are in constant contact with players across the ISL.
“FIFPRO Asia/Oceania urges the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and club owners to work collaboratively with the FPAI to: Confirm the ISL season schedule and establish a clear road map for the season to commence; and ensure clubs continue to meet all contractual obligations to players.”
On Friday, the Supreme Court is expected to hear pleas from all stakeholders over the contractual deadlock after Gopal Sankarnarayanan raised the non-payment of salaries to players.
The AIFF and FSDL are yet to engage with the FPAI in any communication.
