The international football players’ organization FIFPRO has urged Indian Super League clubs to fully respect players’ contractual salaries and employment rights, amid reports of forced pay cuts ahead of the new season.
Delayed season triggers financial strain
The Indian Super League is scheduled to begin on February 14, nearly five months later than its usual старт. The prolonged delay has reportedly caused significant financial losses for clubs, leaving many players unpaid for months.
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Reports of forced salary reductions
Following the announcement of the revised start date by the All India Football Federation, several clubs claimed players had agreed to salary cuts for the shortened season. FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, however, said it has received alarming reports of clubs pressuring contracted players to accept reductions of up to 25 percent.
Players facing personal hardship
In an official statement, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania said many players have been forced to rely on personal savings, take short-term deals in state leagues, or seek alternative employment to support themselves and their families. Despite these challenges, the organization noted that players have continued to show professionalism.
FIFPRO clarified that voluntary agreements between players and clubs would be respected. However, it stressed that forced changes to contracts violate fundamental player rights under FIFA and AIFF regulations, which require clubs to honor their financial commitments.
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Among the clubs, FC Goa has publicly stated that its players have agreed to salary reductions for the season, citing cost pressures linked to the abbreviated calendar.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania and the Football Players Association of India jointly stated that while mutually agreed changes will be respected, any forced salary cuts will be considered abusive. In such cases, both organizations pledged full support to affected players.
