Northeast United FC owner John Abraham has taken an indirect dig at the footballing body amidst the ongoing hiatus of the Indian Super League.
Indian football is plunging into unprecedented turmoil as the Indian Super League (ISL) remains suspended amid a bitter dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial arm, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
The Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which expired in December 2025, has triggered legal battles, Supreme Court interventions, and failed tenders for new commercial partners, halting the 2025-26 season since July and leaving players, clubs, and fans in limbo.
In a desperate joint video statement on Instagram released on January 2, 2026, prominent stars including Sunil
Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan, alongside international players, issued an SOS to FIFA for immediate intervention.
"It's January and we should be on your screens as apart of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League," Gurpreet said.
"Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know," Jhingan added.
"Players, staff, owners and the fans deserve clarity, protection and more importantly, a future," Chhetri said.
"Indian football government is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at a permanent paralysis. This is the last-ditch effort to save what we can. So we are calling the FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football," the players pleaded.
Thirteen ISL clubs have conditioned participation on zero fees, AIFF covering all costs, and a clear roadmap for revival, even seeking government support.
As AFC deadlines loom for continental qualifications, glimmers of hope emerge with AIFF reportedly set to announce dates soon, but it remains a doubt till now. Amid this, Northeast United owner and bollywood star John Abraham raised his voice on Sunday.
Abraham, who is known for his sheer passion for football, uploaded the players' video on social media with the caption, "Shame on us . this is what we have come to. "
Shame on us … this is what we have come to. pic.twitter.com/BS5NZIlFvf
- John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 4, 2026
Although he didn't mention any name, the message is directed right at the apex body of Indian football, which has lost its credibility among players amid this dire situation.
