In a significant development for Indian football, Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal has revealed that the club's first-team players have collectively agreed to take pay cuts for the upcoming truncated Indian Super League season. This announcement comes as the ISL prepares to kick off on February 14, 2026, amid ongoing financial challenges in the sport.
Owner's Emotional Statement on Social Media
Parth Jindal took to social media platform X to share this difficult decision, expressing both gratitude and concern about the current state of Indian football. "Everyone is well aware of the challenging phase Indian Football is going through," Jindal wrote. "For me, as BFC team owner and someone who is deeply passionate about the sport and the club, this has been one of the toughest periods ever."
The club owner specifically acknowledged the sacrifice made by the players, including legendary Indian striker Sunil Chhetri. "I am grateful to all the first team players who have agreed to reduce their remuneration during this phase," Jindal continued. "Without a doubt, this was one of the toughest decisions we have had to make as a club, and I truly appreciate that the players have made this sacrifice in the best interests of the club and the sport."
Similar Moves Across the ISL
This development at Bengaluru FC follows a similar pattern seen recently at other ISL clubs. Just last month, FC Goa announced that their players and support staff, including Indian national team captain Sandesh Jhingan, had also agreed to salary reductions for the upcoming season.
FC Goa described the process as involving "honest and difficult conversations" with the squad and staff amid the ongoing turmoil in Indian football. The club stated in their official announcement: "In a moment of real uncertainty for Indian football, our club had honest and difficult conversations about the challenges we are facing. What followed was something that made us incredibly proud."
The Goan club emphasized the selfless nature of the decision, noting: "Our First Team players and Technical Staff stepped forward, stood together, and chose to support the club by agreeing to reduce their remuneration during this period. This was not an easy decision. It was a selfless one."
Broader Context of Indian Football Challenges
The salary reductions come at a critical time for Indian football, which has been facing multiple challenges including:
- Financial constraints affecting clubs across the league
- Uncertainty surrounding league schedules and formats
- The need for sustainable business models in Indian sports
- Balancing player welfare with club financial stability
FC Goa, the current AIFF Super Cup champions, expressed being "deeply humbled" by their players' gesture, stating: "These moments remind us that this club is more than results on the pitch. It is about people, belief, and standing together when it matters most."
The solidarity shown by players at multiple ISL clubs suggests a growing recognition of the need for collective sacrifice during difficult periods in Indian football. As the truncated ISL season approaches, these decisions highlight both the challenges facing the sport and the commitment of players and staff to ensure its continuity and growth.
