The Indian football scene is currently facing a period of turmoil, with the delay of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season causing widespread concern and prompting key figures to call for intervention. Adding his voice to the chorus, Bollywood actor and co-owner of NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), John Abraham, has expressed his disgust at the current state of affairs, throwing his weight behind the plea made by ISL players to FIFA.

Abraham voiced his support by sharing a video on social media featuring prominent ISL players, including Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who are urging FIFA and FIFPro to step in and resolve the ongoing crisis. Reacting to the video, Abraham wrote, "Shame on us... this is what we have come to".

The players' video highlights the uncertainty surrounding the league, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stating, "It's January and we should be on your screens as part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League". The players collectively voiced their concerns, stating that the Indian football governance is "no longer able to fulfill its responsibilities" and that they are "now staring at a permanent paralysis". The players described the situation as a "last-ditch effort to save what we can" and pleaded with FIFA to intervene and "do what it takes to save Indian football". They stressed that their appeal was not politically motivated but driven by necessity, highlighting the "humanitarian, sporting and economic crisis" they are facing. Sunil Chhetri emphasized that "Players, staff, owners, and the fans deserve clarity, protection, and more importantly, a future".

The AIFF held an emergency meeting on January 3, 2026, and confirmed that it will actively organise the ISL 2025/26 season, with the schedule to be released the following week. The decision was taken after leading figures of Indian football requested FIFA to step in. The AIFF stated that it formally acknowledged the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee and accepted the recommendation that the Indian football board should run the league.

The troubles began due to uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league's former organizers. The situation has been further complicated by legal disputes, Supreme Court interventions, and unsuccessful attempts to bring in new commercial partners.

Thirteen of the 14 ISL clubs have stated they would participate in the delayed season if there is no participation fee and if the federation takes responsibility for the organizational and operational costs of a shortened tournament. The clubs have also requested that AIFF seek a one-time clearance from the AFC for not meeting the 24-game eligibility rule and provide a clear roadmap for the league's long-term plan.

John Abraham's support for the players' plea underscores the growing concern within the Indian football community about the current instability.