Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 05:07am on 26 Jul 2025,Saturday Sports
Indian football is facing its deepest crisis in years, with the national team coachless and the Indian Super League (ISL) on the brink of collapse due to unresolved rights disputes. Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who returned from retirement at 40, voiced concern over the sport’s uncertain future. India’s FIFA ranking has plummeted to 133, with just one win in 16 matches. The ISL’s paralysis affects over 5,000 stakeholders, while TV ratings and sponsor interest decline. Mismanagement within the AIFF is blamed for the turmoil. FIFA’s Arsène Wenger advocates earlier grassroots training. Despite past Olympic success, India remains a “sleeping giant,” struggling to awaken amid growing fears and fading hope.(PC: Al Jazeera & Olympics.com)
