The Indian football landscape is currently facing a period of uncertainty, with financial challenges and administrative issues impacting clubs and tournaments alike. Amidst this backdrop, Bengaluru FC has confirmed that all pending salaries of players and staff have been cleared, while Odisha FC has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Super Cup 2025.
Bengaluru FC had previously announced the suspension of salaries for players and staff due to the uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) season. The primary reason cited was the unresolved Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). This led to financial strain, forcing the club to take what they termed a "difficult decision". However, recent reports confirm that these dues have now been cleared in full, and the team's pre-season training is scheduled to commence on September 16, 2025. The club's average player salary is around $44,243 per week, adding up to a total wage bill of $2,300,625 per year.
In contrast to Bengaluru FC's situation, Odisha FC has opted to withdraw from the Super Cup, citing similar concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding the ISL. The Super Cup is scheduled to begin in late October in Goa. According to sources close to the Odisha FC camp, the club has expressed serious doubts regarding the football calendar, as the AIFF has yet to release a tender for a new commercial partner for the ISL. This follows a joint proposal by FSDL and AIFF to the Supreme Court for an open tender process to select a fresh partner to run the league.
Odisha FC owner, Rohan Sharma, has defended the club's decision, pointing to the uncertainty clouding Indian football's calendar and revenue streams. He stated that it is not feasible for the club to commit to the Super Cup without a clear roadmap for the ISL, as that will significantly impact revenue streams. Sharma also apologized to fans, admitting that football has become an expensive business and that running the club without clear revenue streams is unsustainable. Odisha FC had suspended player and staff salaries in early August 2025, and these payments are yet to be resumed.
The AIFF had invited 13 ISL clubs and 3 I-League clubs to participate in the Super Cup, but Odisha FC and Churchill Brothers FC are the only absentees. The winner of the Super Cup will secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Two play-offs. With Odisha FC's withdrawal, the number of I-League participants will increase to four instead of the originally planned three.
Several other ISL clubs, including Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Mumbai City FC, have conditionally agreed to compete, pending clarity on broadcasting rights and the tournament structure. East Bengal has inquired whether the Super Cup winners will be rewarded with India's second spot for continental competitions and the number of foreign players teams are allowed to field.
The Super Cup is scheduled to be held in Goa from October 25 to November 22, 2025. The 16-team tournament will feature 13 teams from the ISL and 3 from the I-League. The absence of Odisha FC has sparked criticism from fans, who accuse the club of lacking ambition.
Amidst the uncertainty, the Supreme Court has approved the consensual resolution between the AIFF and FSDL, appointing Justice L. N. Rao to oversee the selection of the league's new commercial partner. Former India head coach Armando Agnelo Colaco believes that the need of the hour is to resume the ISL and introduce promotion and relegation to incentivize teams.
