In a dramatic move highlighting the deepening crisis in Indian football, FC Goa has officially suspended all first-team operations with immediate effect. The club's CEO, Ravi Puskur, delivered the shocking news to players, coaches, and support staff during an online meeting on Monday evening.
A Decision Taken with a Heavy Heart
Describing it as a "difficult decision," CEO Ravi Puskur stated the club had exhausted all options. "As a club, we have done everything within our control to keep operations functioning as normally and consistently as possible, despite the extraordinary circumstances around us," Puskur explained. He pointed to the unresolved wider impasse in Indian football as the core reason, adding that prolonged uncertainty left them with no alternative. "This has truly been a last resort, taken with a heavy sense of responsibility and care," he emphasized.
The Build-Up: From Symbolic Protest to Full Suspension
The suspension follows a highly symbolic protest by the team. On December 24, during their concluding AFC Champions League Two group-stage match against FC Istiklol at the Fatorda stadium, Goa players made a powerful statement. They refused to kick off for the opening seconds, squatting on the field in a gesture that left their Tajik opponents bewildered. This act was intended to spotlight the uncertainty crippling the domestic football ecosystem.
Since that match, the club's activities have been in limbo, culminating in Monday's decisive announcement to halt all operations.
AIFF's Role and the Financial Lifeline
The crisis unfolds against a backdrop of administrative delays. A three-member AIFF committee has recommended that the federation finalize the short-term competition format for the Indian Super League (ISL) in consultation with clubs. Crucially, the panel advised that if consensus isn't reached, the AIFF must use its authority as league owner to decide the format without further delay.
In a significant financial recommendation, the committee suggested that AIFF should bear the cost of refereeing and broadcast production for this season's ISL. Sources indicate the AIFF's finance committee, which met on Monday morning, has approved spending up to Rs 7 crore towards the top-tier league. The federation has now called an emergency executive committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss organizing the ISL and I-League for the 2025–2026 short-term edition.
The suspension of a major club like FC Goa sends a stark warning about the state of Indian football. It underscores the urgent need for decisive leadership and clear planning from the governing bodies to restore stability and confidence in the sport's future.
