Why have Chennaiyin FC suspended football operations?

The uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) has caused turmoil for many of the clubs participating in it. With there being no assurance over when the 2025/26 Indian Super League campaign will actually begin, it seems that Chennaiyin FC have become the latest club forced to take a drastic decision that will impact the individuals associated with them.

Chennaiyin FC Suspend Football Operations Amid ISL Uncertainty

Chennaiyin FC have been playing in the ISL since its inception in 2014, and have been one of the most successful teams in the competition as well. However, it's now being reported that Chennaiyin FC have suspended their football operations because of the uncertainty over the future of the ISL. The club hierarchy has also informed the players, as well as non-playing staff members, about the decision.

This comes after Chennaiyin FC refused to participate in the 2025 Durand Cup. They cited concerns over the future of the ISL, and as there is still no confirmed date for when the 2025/26 league season will begin, the club hierarchy have been forced into an extreme decision to cut their losses. Their decision to suspend football operations means that the club will not be paying wages to their players or salaries to the coaching staff or non-playing individuals until at least this suspension period is lifted.

Chennaiyin FC have followed Bengaluru FC, who also recently confirmed their decision to suspend football operations and indicated that they will not be able to pay wages to those contracted with the club. Odisha FC have also made a similar decision recently, citing their inability to attract sponsors because of the uncertainty over the ISL's future.

The 2025/26 ISL campaign is currently stuck in limbo because of its organisers, the FSDL (Football Sports Development Limited), being unable to negotiate the extension of the MRA (Master Rights Agreement), which is pivotal for them to run the league. The current MRA is set to end in December 2025, and that is why the FSDL is aiming to negotiate future terms over the MRA with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) before taking a decision on the future of India's top footballing division.

How Have Chennaiyin FC Performed In The ISL?

Chennaiyin FC are one of the founding clubs in the ISL, having been playing in the division since the first season in 2014. They actually won the second season of the ISL, defeating FC Goa in the final by a thrilling 3-2 margin to win their first-ever ISL title. They also went on to win the 2017/18 ISL championship, defeating Bengaluru FC in the final and are one of the three teams to have won the ISL title more than once in the competition's history. Chennaiyin FC have also represented Indian football in the AFC competitions, having played in the 2019 AFC Cup and finishing in second place in their group.

Chennaiyin FC have struggled to compete at the top of the ISL in recent years. They had a pretty forgettable 2024/25 season, finishing in 11th place at the end of the league stages, winning only seven of their 24 matches as well. They parted ways with head coach Owen Coyle after the end of the campaign, and their head coach position is currently vacant as well. Along with their football team, Chennaiyin FC also have their own eSports FIFA team, but they are not going to be impacted by this decision as Chennaiyin FC have only suspended their football operations.