Bengaluru FC Halts Salaries of First Team Players & Staff Amid Uncertain Season

Bengaluru FC Halts Salaries of First Team Players & Staff Amid Uncertain Season

Bengaluru FC has indefinitely halted salaries due to the uncertain future of Indian football.

Bengaluru FC, the 2018–19 Indian Super League winners, have indefinitely put a hold on player and staff salaries owing to the uncertainty surrounding the league, which was expected to commence by the end of next month but, in the present situation, shows no signs of starting anytime soon.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will hold a crucial meeting with the chief executives of eight ISL clubs on Thursday in New Delhi, following growing dissatisfaction over the current condition and direction of Indian football.

The 15-year Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the federation’s commercial and marketing partner, is set to lapse on December 8.

By then, the ISL, which usually takes place between September and April, would be ongoing — making it essential for clubs and broadcasters to have long-term clarity for logistical coordination and commercial activities.

However, the AIFF has been barred from entering into new negotiations until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the federation’s draft constitution case.

“Running and sustaining a football club in India has always been a steep challenge, one that we have set everything else aside for, season after season. But the current lack of clarity on the League’s future leaves us with no option but to take this decision,” Bengaluru FC posted on Monday night on X.

“The future and welfare of our players, staff and their families is of utmost importance to us, and we are in constant touch with them as we await a solution,” the statement read.

“The Club remains fully committed to the growth and development of football, and our operations related to youth teams, men’s and women’s squads, and BFC Soccer Schools remain unaffected by this decision,” the statement added.

Last month, FSDL, which manages the Indian Super League, declared that the 2025–26 season had been put “on hold” due to unresolved contractual issues.

The very next day, the AIFF stated that it would take all necessary actions to ensure that the ISL goes ahead as planned — but no progress has been made since.