Trouble For MS Dhoni? Chennaiyin FC Suspends Operations Amid ISL Uncertainty
Indian club football finds itself in deep crisis, as Chennaiyin FC – co-owned by former India cricket captain MS Dhoni has announced a temporary suspension of its operations amid the growing uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League (ISL). The decision, confirmed by the club on Wednesday, follows similar drastic steps taken by Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC, both of whom have stopped paying salaries to their first-team players and staff.
Chennaiyin FC, a two-time ISL champion and one of the most popular clubs in the country, made the announcement through an emotional statement on social media.
“In light of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of the ISL, Chennaiyin FC has taken the extremely difficult decision to temporarily pause club operations,” the statement read.
“This is not a step we take lightly. It affects people we care about deeply. The welfare of our players, coaches, staff, and their families remains a priority. We hope this pause is short-lived and that we can return to doing what we love once there is clarity for all clubs.”
— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) August 6, 2025
Chennaiyin’s decision comes just a day ahead of a crucial meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and eight ISL clubs. However, Chennaiyin FC is not expected to be part of this meeting, as it is not among the signatories that requested the dialogue with AIFF.
A Chain Reaction of Crisis
Chennaiyin FC’s announcement follows closely on the heels of decisions by Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC to stop or suspend salaries of players and staff. The moves are all part of the fallout from the ISL being put “on hold” by its organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The key reason? A deadlock over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between FSDL and AIFF.
Last week, Odisha FC halted all payments to its first team. Soon after, Bengaluru FC, one of India’s most high-profile clubs and home to former Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri, announced the indefinite suspension of player and staff contracts.
In a strongly worded statement, Bengaluru FC said:
“The lack of clarity on the league’s future leaves us with no choice but to take this step. Running a football club in India has always been an uphill climb. We urge the AIFF and FSDL to end this impasse swiftly. The uncertainty benefits no one.”
What’s Behind the Chaos?
At the heart of the crisis is the pending renewal of the 15-year MRA signed between AIFF and FSDL back in 2010. The agreement is set to expire on December 18, 2025.
However, per a Supreme Court directive, the AIFF has been barred from negotiating new MRA terms until a final verdict is delivered in the ongoing AIFF draft constitution case. This legal hurdle has thrown the entire league into limbo, with no confirmed start date for the 2025–26 ISL season, which usually begins in September.
Crucial Meeting on Thursday
Eight ISL clubs – Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, and Punjab FC have written to the AIFF requesting a “constructive dialogue” and seeking clarity about the future.
A high-level meeting between AIFF top officials and the clubs is set for Thursday, August 8. The letter, however, did not carry the signatures of Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Mumbai City FC, or Chennaiyin FC.
The MS Dhoni Factor
Chennaiyin FC’s decision hits especially hard for fans, as the club is co-owned by MS Dhoni, one of India’s most loved sporting icons. While Dhoni has not made a public comment on the situation yet, his association with Chennaiyin FC has helped the club grow into a household name. The franchise’s sudden pause in operations underlines how even star-studded ownership can’t shield clubs from systemic uncertainty.
What Lies Ahead?
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey had earlier assured that the ISL 2025–26 season would be conducted, but notably stopped short of confirming when it would begin. That uncertainty now looms larger than ever.
With top clubs suspending operations, players unpaid, and legal hurdles delaying key decisions, Indian football stands at a crossroads. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting could well decide whether the country’s top-tier football league gets back on track or spirals further into disarray.