Kolkata: Former ISL Shield winners Jamshedpur FC have pulled out of ISL 2026-27 hours after missing the deadline for payment of participation fee for the upcoming season, beginning September 4.
Earlier in the month, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had set July 20 deadline for payment of Rs 1.1 crore by the clubs in two instalments as administrative fees. The deadline was extended till Friday evening.
The club said it will not be participating in the ISL from 2026-27 season onwards.
According to sources, the club’s board of directors have decided to wind up the first team as of now.
Even Inter Kashi which apparently did not pay before the initial July 20 deadline, has also made the payment.
That means that all the remaining 13 clubs have paid the participation fee.
“Inter Kashi have made the payment and we will take a call on Saturday whether we will go ahead with 13 clubs or not,” a top AIFF official told PTI.
Jamshedpur which was found in 2017 stated in a statement that it will work to promote and develop the game at the grassroots level.
“Jamshedpur Football Club would like to confirm that it will not be participating in ISL from 2026-27 season onwards,” it said on ‘X’.
“JFSPL remains committed, in other capacities, to the continued growth and development of football in India. We will continue in our endeavour to promote and develop the game of football, including at the grassroots level.
“We will continue to identify and develop young football talent across India to create a strong pathway for young players from grassroots to national and international football.”
Earlier, AIFF handed over the commercial rights of the ISL to the clubs for four years. But there is an option for the clubs to exit it unilaterally after two years.
With Jamshedpur’s exit, it leaves a great void in Indian Football. Tata Group’s direct presence in the professional league is limited to the Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur.
Currently, Jamshedpur FC are playing in Durand Cup 2026 and started with 5-0 win over Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC. They’ll next play against SC Delhi on August 2. Although it is not yet certain whether they’ll complete the Durand fixtures, fans can witness their favorite club till they play in this edition.
