Archive · 8 Nov 2025
ISL Crisis: Mohun Bagan Suspends Operations Amidst Bidding Failure
India's main soccer league, the ISL, is having big problems because no companies want to pay to be its sponsor.
Because of this, the best team, Mohun Bagan, has stopped all its activities for now.
They don't know when the league will start or what will happen next.
Another team, East Bengal, is worried but is still practicing for another tournament.
They think Indian soccer needs help and have asked the big cricket organization, the BCCI, to give money to support it for a few years.
This situation shows that the future of the ISL is very uncertain.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) failed to secure any bids for the commercial rights of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan have indefinitely suspended all first-team football operations due to uncertainty over the league's future.
Mohun Bagan had planned to start their season around December 15, but these plans have been shelved.
Rival club East Bengal will continue operations and proceed with training for the Super Cup semi-finals.
East Bengal has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to sponsor Indian football for several years to address the crisis.
- Who
- All India Football Federation (AIFF), Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
- What
- The AIFF's failure to attract bids for the Indian Super League's commercial rights has led defending champions Mohun Bagan to suspend first-team operations, while rivals East Bengal are continuing operations and appealing to the BCCI for financial support.
- When
- AIFF confirmed no bids on Friday; Mohun Bagan announced suspension; East Bengal plans to continue and resume Super Cup training.
- Where
- India (Indian Super League, Super Cup)
- Why
- The uncertainty surrounding the ISL's future due to the lack of a commercial partner has prompted Mohun Bagan's decision, and East Bengal seeks financial intervention to support Indian football.
Mohun Bagan's Decision
East Bengal's Approach
Operational Status
Mohun Bagan's Decision
Mohun Bagan has indefinitely suspended all first-team football operations due to the AIFF's failure to secure a bid for the Indian Super League's commercial rights, casting uncertainty over the 2025-26 season. Their plans for an upcoming camp have been shelved.
East Bengal's Approach
East Bengal plans to continue operations as usual and expects the ISL to proceed. They are continuing training for the Super Cup semi-finals.
Financial Solutions
Mohun Bagan's Decision
The club's drastic measure reflects the broader crisis in Indian football, following the AIFF's unsuccessful tender process for commercial rights.
East Bengal's Approach
East Bengal has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to sponsor Indian football for four to five years, suggesting that an investment of Rs 100-150 crore would be manageable for the BCCI and beneficial for the sport's progress.
- Governing Body
- All India Football Federation (AIFF)
- League Status
- Indian Super League (ISL)
- Commercial Rights Tender
- AIFF failed to secure any bids for ISL commercial partner rights.
- Club Suspending Operations
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant
- Reason for Suspension
- Uncertainty over ISL's future due to failed bidding process.
- East Bengal's Action
- Continuing operations and seeking BCCI sponsorship.
- East Bengal Current Tournament
- Super Cup (Semi-finals on December 4)
Sources
No bids for ISL commercial rights; AIFF to review next steps
Crisis in Indian football worsens after AIFF fails to attract single bid for ISL
ISL Future In Doubt! Not A Single Bid Received For Commercial Rights
ISL crisis deepens: Bagan suspend team, EB turns to BCCI
Mohun Bagan suspends first team operations as ISL limbo continues, East Bengal urges BCCI to step in
ISL Crisis: Mohun Bagan Stops Football Activities, East Bengal Pleads To BCCI For Financial Help
ISL in limbo: Mohun Bagan suspend team, East Bengal knock on BCCI’s door to rescue Indian football
