After Luna, Noah Sadaoui leaves Kerala Blasters, also due to uncertainty over the ISL
After the team’s captain, Adrian Luna, Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui has also left Kerala Blasters due to the ongoing uncertainty over the resumption of the ISL this year. It is believed that a premier Indonesian club has roped in the 32-year-old striker for the current season. Noah joined KBFC from FC Goa in 2024. He played 19 matches across all competitions for the Blasters and scored seven goals. FC Goa captain Borja Herrera left the club last week, saying that the situation made it ‘untenable’ for him to stay within Indian football. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC has parted ways with both striker Edgar Mendez and manager Gerard Zaragoza during the delay in the season. At the same time, Odisha FC has also split with manager Sergio Lobera. Chennaiyin FC competed in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 without any overseas players despite having two players, Daniel Chima Chukwu and Elsinho in its books. We would like to thank Noah for two special seasons as he heads abroad on loan for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, as posted by Kerala Blasters on their social media account.
Players appeal to FIFA to step in and save Indian football!
A group of country’s leading footballers have released a video titled ‘Save Indian Football’, highlighting the miserable state of the sport in the country at the moment. Significantly, through their video that has already gone viral, the footballers have also made appeal to the world football’s ruling body FIFA and the association of world footballers’ association, FIPRPO, requesting their intervention to save Indian football from its present deplorable condition. The ISL, which ideally should have begun last September, is yet to kick off due to the lack of a commercial partner for the league. “It’s January, and we should be on your screens as part of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League. Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something that we all know. But more importantly, we are here to make a plea. The Indian football government can no longer fulfill its responsibilities. “We are now staring at permanent paralysis. This is a last-ditch effort to save what we can. So, we are calling FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football. We hope this message gets to the powers that are in Zurich. “This call is not political. It is not driven by confrontation, but by necessity. It might sound like a big word, but the truth is that we are facing a humanitarian, economic, and sporting crisis. Of course, we need rescuing at the earliest. “Players, staff, owners, and fans deserve clarity, protection, and, more importantly, a future. We just want to play football, please help us do it,” said the video, which features Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Suresh Singh Wangjam, and Amrinder Singh among Indian footballers, while Carlos Delgado, Hugo Bumous, and Michel Zabaco are the overseas players who have spoken out. The letter sent to the AIFF-appointed three-man committee on behalf of the clubs has stated that the AIFF should take up the financial responsibility for organizing the league in the absence of a commercial partner. The clubs said they are open to a meeting on January 3 to follow up on the matter.
Jammu and Kashmir cricketer accused of ‘separatism,’ called for questioning by police!
Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Furqan Bhat has been accused of ‘separatism’ after he was seen sporting a Palestine flag on his helmet during a local cricket match. Furqan Bhat has also been called in for questioning by the J&K Police for sporting the Palestine flag. Furqan Bhat’s action garnered attention after videos and pictures of him batting with a Palestine flag sticker on his helmet during a match in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League in Jammu went viral. The Jammu police have already sought clarification from the cricketer and the tournament organizers. “One cricket player and organizer of the tournament has been called for questioning by J&K Police regarding the use of the Palestine flag on his helmet during a cricket match at a private tournament in Jammu,” the Police said. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has already distanced itself from the whole incident, claiming that the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League is not an authorised league and that Furqan Bhat is not affiliated with the board. The Jammu police are trying to find out the reason why Furqan Bhat was sporting the Palestine flag. They have not made any official comment on the possible reasons.
Martyn is recovering well, says his friend Adam Gilchrist
Former Australian Test batter Damien Martyn is showing “positive signs” after being hospitalized in an induced coma with meningitis, his former teammate Adam Gilchrist said. The 54-year-old, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, fell ill while lying down last week before being rushed to hospital. He was diagnosed with meningitis—an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. “Thank you, everyone, for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time,” fellow Test great Gilchrist said during a Big Bash League game broadcast on Thursday evening. “He’s still in the hospital. There’ll be more details coming out as they come to hand, but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having.” Support and prayers for Martyn are being poured all-over the cricket fraternity across the world. Former and present cricketers also including former England captain Michael Vaughan and Indian greats Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman are sending prayers through their X-accounts respectively. Known as one of the game’s most elegant stroke-players, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful Australian side, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37. He was also part of the Australian team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, cracking 88 not out in the final against India in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting. Martyn retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low profile since.
Vengsarkar condemns Agarkar and Gambhir for ignoring Sarafraz
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has lashed out at the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for repeatedly ignoring Sarafraz Khan, despite the Mumbai batsman’s consistent performances in domestic cricket. Sarfaraz recently hit 157 off 75 balls for Mumbai against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, helping Mumbai surpass 400 runs. While speaking to The Times of India, Vengsarkar expressed shock over the decision to leave out Sarfaraz from all formats, highlighting his contributions whenever given a chance by the selectors. “You know, the thing is, it’s really shocking for me that he is not picked up in any format for India, when he has been doing so consistently, even for India, also when he got an opportunity. I watched him and Devdutt Padikkal batting together against England in Dharamshala. It was a crucial session. They batted beautifully and forged together an important partnership, which ultimately helped India win the Test match,” said Vengsarkar. The 69-year-old also criticized the team management for not giving Sarfaraz a single opportunity during the 2024/25 tour of Australia, describing the decision as a “real shame.” “And after that (home series against England), he didn’t get an opportunity (to play another Test). Of course, he was on the tour of Australia (the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy), but he wasn’t given a chance at all, and that really baffles me, because he’s a good enough player to play in all formats of the game. Such a talent has been ignored and neglected. It’s a real shame!” the former India selector added. In 2024, Sarfaraz made his Test debut under Rohit Sharma’s leadership at home against England in February. Since then, he has made 371 runs in six Tests at an average of 37.10, striking at a healthy 74.94, with a century and three fifties in 11 innings and a best score of 150.
Thirteen clubs reluctant to take financial burden! AIFF receives the reply
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued the letter on Wednesday to the ISL clubs, seeking confirmation of their participation in the ISL for this season by Thursday. It is believed that 13 clubs, except Jamshedpur FC, have expressed unwillingness to take up the financial burden. It is also believed that these eight clubs have decided to seek additional details pertaining to financial expenditure. Replying to the point, Satyanarayan explained, “We will surely confirm our part of the whole expenditure. But before that, we need to be confirmed about clubs’ participation and the format they accept.” Significantly, Dhruv Sood, the CEO of Sporting Club Delhi, has sent a reply email to the AIFF on Thursday, mentioning five specific points for clarification. The five specific points are as follows: Financial Responsibility in the Absence of a Commercial Partner – That, in the absence of an appointed commercial partner and/or broadcaster, and until such time as commercial rights are formally transferred or monetised, the AIFF—being the rights holder and operator of the league—shall assume financial responsibility for league-level organisational and operational costs for the 2025–26 season, in accordance with principles of sound financial governance and risk allocation envisaged under the NSGA and the minimum standards of the ISL product as discussed in the joint budgeting exercise. No Participation Fee for the 2025–26 Season – That, having regard to the proposed truncated format, the absence of a settled commercial revenue model, and the requirement under the NSGA to avoid disproportionate or arbitrary financial burdens on regulated entities, there shall be no participation fee payable by clubs for the 2025–26 season. Cost Allocation for the Interim Season – That the majority of league-level costs required to deliver the 2025–26 season shall be borne by the AIFF, with clubs continuing to meet only their respective team-related and routine operational expenses, ensuring that clubs are not exposed to indeterminate or open-ended financial liabilities contrary to principles of financial certainty and institutional stability under the NSGA. Time-Bound and Accountable Long-Term Roadmap – The AIFF shall place on record a clear, time-bound roadmap for execution of the long-term plan, including defined timelines and accountability for the appointment of a commercial partner and/or broadcaster, finalisation of the league’s revenue, governance, and risk-sharing framework; and transition to a financially self-sustaining competition model consistent with statutory governance norms. Government Support to minimize costs – That, in view of the exceptional, transitional, and systemic nature of the present circumstances, and consistent with the NSGA’s recognition of government facilitation to preserve institutional continuity and sporting integrity, the AIFF shall actively seek commercial or institutional support from the Government of India to help make the interim 2025–26 season sustainable. Dhruv Sood’s reply-mail has been signed by Mohun Bagan Super Giants, Emami East Bengal FC, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Punjab FC, Inter Kashi, North East United FC, and Odisha FC. The AIFF’s ISL-co-ordination three-man committee has already met the clubs for more than a couple of times since last week. But no confirmation from the clubs has been made yet either on the format or the number of teams. All teams must have take part in 24 league matches in a season to earn an Asian spot. The AIFF is required to submit the result of these meetings to the Union Sports Ministry on 2nd January and the matter is expected to be discussed by Supreme Court after 5th January. The footballers’ contract and the season officially ends on 31st May!
Uncertainty over ISL future: Luna released by Blasters on loan!
It is the reflection of uncertainty over the ISL. Kerala Blasters has confirmed that it is releasing the team’s captain and one of the League’s most prominent strikers, Adrina Luna, on loan to an overseas club for the 2025-26 season! Blasters shared the news through a social media post where it confirmed that it was a mutually agreed arrangement between the player and the club. However, the ISL side didn’t confirm which team the Uruguayan midfielder will be joining. Luna joined Blasters in 2021 and has made 71 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals. The ISL season, which typically begins in September, has been deferred, as the business model is still uncertain, following the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited. The uncertainty over the resumption of the League in the last few months has compelled a few high-profile exits, with FC Goa captain Borja Herrera leaving the club, saying that the situation made it ‘untenable’ for him to stay within Indian football. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, has parted ways with both striker Edgar Mendez and manager Gerard Zaragoza during the delay in the season, while Odisha FC has parted with manager Sergio Lobera.
Ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, Rishabh Pant fails in the Vijay Hazare!
India keeper Rishabh Pant, the center of attention ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home, managed just 24 runs as his Delhi side suffered a 79-run defeat to Odisha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s fourth-round Group-D match on Wednesday. The Delhi batting faltered, managing just 193 in 43.3 overs while chasing Odisha’s 272 for 8, and were all out despite the target being within reach. Delhi’s innings have largely been built around one solid batting performance so far this season. But the absence of one on Wednesday cost them not just the match but also their top position on the points table, which could come back to haunt them as the tournament progresses. It was also the first time so far this season that Delhi could not cross 200, something which looked so easy when Virat Kohli slammed a century against Andhra in the opener, and opener Priyansh Arya scored a fine 78 in the previous game against Saurashtra. Pant has so far scored only 5, 70, and 22 in the tournament. He was dismissed by pacer Debabrata Pradhan (3/28), who, along with young right-arm pacer Sambit Baral (3/34), hastened Delhi’s collapse.
Bengaluru FC’s Football Director expresses surprise with AIFF’s hurriedness over the ISL this season!
Bengaluru FC’s director of football, Darren Caldeira, pointed out the All India Football Federation’s hasty approach towards organizing a shortened version of the ISL for the 2025-26 season. Caldeira wrote on his X account, ‘While we all continue to work tirelessly towards a solution, asking clubs to commit to a league overnight despite there being limited clarity on commercial partners, broadcasters, AFC compliance, and costs incurred seems a bit rushed.’ He pointed out the lack of urgency shown by the AIFF over the past months. He added, “I do understand the time sensitivity, given that December has now passed. However, in that context, the sudden sense of urgency is a little unexpected, particularly given the absence of similar urgency over the past months.” The Federation had previously met with the clubs on 28th December to discuss a solution for the 2025-26 season, where the teams questioned whether India’s spots in Asia (continental competitions) would remain despite a shortened season. The AIFF has now asked for confirmation about the exact number of clubs that will play this season and the format, so that the quantity of matches per club can be ascertained. Satyanarayan, the deputy secretary general of AIFF, wrote a letter to all ISL clubs, requesting them to also confirm their preferred format in the league, so that the federation can request an exemption from the Asian Football Federation (AFC) accordingly. According to the AFC rulebook, a team must play a minimum of 24 matches to be eligible to participate in Asian competitions. However, a shortened season would mean there would be significantly fewer matches, and the AIFF would thus seek a special exemption from the AFC.
AIFF wants to be assured of clubs’ participation before floating a fresh tender within 10 days
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sought confirmation from Indian Super League (ISL) clubs for participation in its 2025-26 edition, before preparing to float its premier League’s tender soon. Consultancy firm KPMG has been tasked to prepare a request for proposal (RFQ) document, keeping in mind AIFF’s 20-year proposal to clubs on 26th December. The AIFF is reportedly planning to float fresh tenders within 10 days. But before floating a fresh tender after the first one failed to receive any bid, AIFF wants to be assured of participation from clubs and format for the current edition. “AIFF is required to submit the outcome of these meetings to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before 2nd January, 2026. Further, the Honorable Supreme Court is scheduled to resume after vacation on 5th January 2026, and all stakeholders may be required to file relevant documents in accordance with legal advice,” AIFF’s deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan wrote in a letter to CEOs of ISL clubs on Wednesday. “In this regard, you are requested to kindly confirm the participation of your respective clubs and the proposed competition format, enabling AIFF to formally communicate with the Asian Football Confederation, including the actual number of matches to be played in the tournament for the 2025-26 season. However, Multiple discussions have happened between AIFF and clubs over the last seven days, though no formal agreement has been reached over budget, if and format for the current season. A section of the clubs wants a commercial partner, similar to AIFF’s erstwhile partner FSDL, to be roped in to shoulder a part of the operational costs to relieve them of the extra burden. Differences also remain over the estimation of budgets, with clubs evaluating it to be around Rs 77 crore while AIFF expects it to be in the region of Rs 35-42 crore, depending on the venue. Matches in the three venues of Kolkata and the suburbs would cost a bit less than in the two grounds of Goa. In internal discussions on Wednesday, a single-leg format in Goa has emerged as the preference for clubs, a final decision on which would be taken on Thursday before it is sent to AIFF. Each team will play 12 matches for a total of 78 matches in this format on two venues (six training grounds), the cost of which has been kept at around Rs 40-42 crore. With no matches even at the start of the new year, and time being of the essence for a February 5 to 7 tentative start, AIFF set a 24-hour cut-off time for clubs’ response.
