While most Indian football clubs have seen their competitive season grind to a halt, FC Goa finds itself in a unique, yet precarious, position. As the only Indian side still active in continental competition, the club faces a crucial AFC Champions League Two group-stage finale against Tajikistan's FC Istiklol this Wednesday. However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over not just this match, but the entire future of the domestic football calendar, prompting serious concerns from head coach Manolo Marquez.
A Season in Limbo: The ISL Impasse
The root of the anxiety gripping Indian football is the indefinite postponement of the country's top-tier league, the Indian Super League (ISL). The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) 15-year commercial agreement with its marketing partner, Reliance subsidiary Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), is set to conclude in December 2025. Despite awareness of this impending deadline, a new agreement has not been reached.
The federation attempted to find a new commercial partner by floating a tender in November last year, but found no takers. This failure is largely attributed to restrictive clauses in the AIFF's new constitution. Consequently, the league's commencement has hit a standstill, leaving clubs, players, and coaches in a state of limbo.
"All these things are giving Indian football a bad name globally," Marquez told Times of India. The Spanish coach, who has six compatriots managing ISL teams, pointed out that this crisis was predictable. "Everyone knew that this situation would happen, in March-April, but nobody did anything. When you have the wrong people in wrong positions, these things can happen," he stated bluntly, criticizing the leadership's inaction.
Uncertain Futures for Players and a Beloved Coach
The uncertainty extends far beyond fixture lists. Marquez revealed that his immediate future after the Istiklol match is unclear. With the game ending near midnight and an early morning flight to catch, he may not even get a proper chance to say goodbye to his squad. His contract with FC Goa is ending, and while his intention is to stay, the broader chaos complicates everything.
"I don't know," was Marquez's response when asked if he would return to India after spending Christmas at home in Spain. "My intention is to be here, I'm very happy here. I'm very proud to be the coach of this club... But I would really like to be with FC Goa." His sentiment highlights the personal toll the administrative deadlock is taking on those who have contributed significantly to Indian football.
The coach also expressed fear of an exodus of foreign talent. "I fear that foreign players will now start leaving India," he said, emphasizing that the lack of a clear schedule makes it impossible for professionals to plan their careers. While FC Goa at least has a confirmed match on December 24 in the AFC competition, most other ISL clubs have sent their players home, with some halting training altogether.
A Stark Contrast: Continental Duty Amid Domestic Chaos
The situation creates a stark contrast for FC Goa. The team, under Marquez's guidance, earned the right to compete in the AFC Champions League Two by winning a playoff. Yet, the atmosphere at their training ground in Bambolim's Athletic Stadium is one of apprehension, overshadowing their continental campaign.
As they prepare for their final group match, the question plaguing everyone is whether this will be their last competitive fixture of the season. The club's senior officials have no guarantees to offer the coach, as the resolution lies with the federation and commercial negotiations.
Marquez, who led FC Goa to two Super Cup triumphs and consecutive Asian qualifications, summarized the plight of all clubs: "We don't have an option but to wait. We check about the situation everyday." This waiting game, fueled by a lack of decisive action from the governing body, threatens to undo the progress Indian football has made in recent years and tarnish its reputation on the international stage.
