Sunil Chhetri says current situation of Indian football ‘very concerning’ after ISL is put on hold
India captain and record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri said that the current situation of Indian football was very concerning but remains hopeful that things would get better.
“The current situation that Indian football finds itself in, is very concerning. I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs – not just from my club, but from other clubs as well,” Chhetri wrote on social media.
“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with.”
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The post comes at a time when the Indian Super League (ISL), the premier division of men’s football in the country, has been put on hold.
After Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the body that runs the ISL, failed to reach an agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the league was officially put ‘on hold’, earlier this month.
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“I know that the think tank and all those involved in running the sport are working to get the football season up and running, and I’m hopeful that there is a solid fix sooner rather than later,” Chhetri added.
Chhetri, who played the inaugural season of the ISL at Mumbai City, has been part of Bengaluru FC since 2013 over two stints, winning seven titles with the club, including two I-League trophies and one ISL title.
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“I may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football – and more importantly the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, operations staff please stay calm,” Chhetri added.
“We’ll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better. Football has to resume soon. It will.”
