Sunil Chhetri Appeals to Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC’s ISL Exit
Star Indian striker Sunil Chhetri has made a heartfelt plea to the Tata Group to rethink its decision regarding Jamshedpur FC’s withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL). In a passionate message on social media, Chhetri expressed that the group’s departure from India’s premier football league would be a significant loss for the sport in the country. He described the news as a “punch to the gut” and urged Tata leaders to prioritize emotional connections over business strategies.
Jamshedpur FC, which is owned by the Tata Group, announced its exit from the ISL starting with the 2026-27 season, with plans to cease first-team operations following the current Durand Cup. This announcement was made just hours following the club’s missed deadline to pay the participation fee for the upcoming season.
The decision has left both players and supporters bewildered, especially as the team continues to compete in the Durand Cup. Defender Pratik Chaudhari shared a video on social media, voicing the team’s shock and appealing for the Tata Group to reconsider its stance.
While the club has mentioned it will continue its support for Indian football through grassroots initiatives, its exit from the ISL means one fewer team in the league, raising concerns about the overall health of club football in India.
Chhetri highlighted the vital role the Tata Group has played in shaping Indian football, notably through the Tata Football Academy and Jamshedpur FC. He acknowledged that business decisions often dictate sports strategies but emphasized the need for the Tata Group’s presence in the ISL during these challenging times.
He reflected that while the departure of Jamshedpur FC is a setback for players and the league, it could also mean a significant blow to the sport itself if a prominent corporate backer like Tata steps away.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had initially set July 20 as the deadline for ISL clubs to pay an administrative fee, later extending it to Friday evening. Jamshedpur FC’s board ultimately chose to fold instead of continuing, while other clubs managed to make their payments on time.
The upcoming 2026-27 ISL season is set to begin on September 4, making this exit another hurdle for Indian football as it grapples with maintaining strong corporate partnerships in its quest for growth.
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