The Indian Super League (ISL) is facing an unprecedented player exodus as its indefinite postponement forces clubs to release their foreign stars. With the league's start date in limbo due to the absence of a marketing partner, clubs have pragmatically allowed their international signings to pursue opportunities elsewhere for the remainder of the season.
Clubs Grant Freedom as Uncertainty Looms
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has failed to secure a commercial rights partner for the country's top-tier football competition. This critical impasse has brought the league to a complete standstill, derailing its traditional September-to-April schedule. Consequently, clubs across the league have informed their foreign contingents that they are free to explore moves during the ongoing transfer window.
Without competitive football, players are growing restless and opting for moves, even at reduced financial terms, to keep their careers on track. This pragmatic approach from the clubs aims to prevent stagnation for athletes whose livelihoods depend on regular match time.
A Wave of High-Profile Departures
The fallout is already evident, with several marquee names leaving Indian shores. FC Goa has been hit hard, losing influential midfielder Borja Herrera, who moved to Indonesia after four seasons. Herrera, the only player to win three consecutive Super Cups, expressed his frustration, stating the situation had become "untenable" for his family and that authorities had pushed him to leave after "countless meetings" without a real decision.
He was preceded by teammate Javier Siverio, who left for Greece before the club's final AFC Champions League Two group match, leaving a blunt parting message for the AIFF: "Have some shame."
The crisis is nationwide. Kerala Blasters have seen a significant clear-out: Portuguese striker Tiago Alves mutually terminated his contract, captain Adrian Luna left for Indonesia on loan, and Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui is set to follow. Club CEO Abhik Chatterjee acknowledged the necessity of the moves, emphasizing the need for players, especially those at a certain age, to play competitive football to prolong their careers.
Elsewhere, Chennaiyin FC's former captain, Scottish midfielder Connor Shields, joined Cambodian champions Svay Rieng FC after months of waiting for an update. Fiji star and former ISL Golden Ball winner Roy Krishna, after a stint in the Super League Kerala, has become the marquee signing for Fiji's Bula FC, choosing to return home.
Pragmatism Overcomes Loyalty
Club officials are framing these departures as painful but necessary decisions. NorthEast United CEO Mandar Tamhane explained that young foreign players, in particular, have their futures at stake. "If they don't play, it's difficult to find offers for next season," he said, confirming the club has provided players the option to leave if offers arrive.
While East Bengal and Bengaluru FC also anticipate losing foreign players, some speculation has been incorrect. Contrary to rumors, Argentine defender Kevin Sibille is not leaving East Bengal. However, the overall trend is clear: the structural uncertainty at the league level is dismantling team rosters built for the season.
The mass departure of international talent not only diminishes the immediate quality and appeal of the ISL but also raises serious questions about the league's governance and commercial viability. As players seek stability abroad, the AIFF's inability to resolve the marketing partnership issue is costing Indian football dearly, both in prestige and sporting substance.
