Kerala Blasters have officially halted all operations, joining Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant as the third top-tier Indian club to suspend activities amid mounting uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League (ISL). The move follows the team's exit from the Super Cup, leaving players and staff in limbo.

Abhik Chatterjee, the club's chief executive officer, acknowledged the growing anxiety within the camp.“We were expecting clarity on the ISL situation earlier this month as per the original timelines,” he said in an interview with The Hindu.“It's an incredibly critical moment for Indian football. But from a club's perspective, operating with no information at all is like staring into an abyss.”

The Blasters had initially scheduled their pre-season training to begin on July 7. However, the unresolved ISL framework forced them to shelve those plans. Following intervention from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the club agreed to participate in the Super Cup, with assurances that the ISL's status would be settled by the end of that competition. As a result, the team resumed preparations on October 7-about three weeks ahead of the tournament.

Despite those efforts, the broader situation has not improved. The league continues to face instability, especially after the tender process for a new ISL commercial partner failed to attract any bidders. With no progress in sight, Kerala Blasters have decided to freeze activities once more.

“It puts a lot of stress on the owners, obviously, the players, and the staff, because there are specialised staff whose livelihood depends on football,” Abhik added.“But I would like to remain an optimist and hope that the sooner we have clarity, the better,” Chatterjee added.

Social media reaction

As news of Kerala Blasters suspending operations came, fans were upset and called these uncertain times in Indian football. When money starts running the game, love for the game stops running,” opined another fan account. Check out some reactions:

“When money starts running the game, love for the game stops running.” ⚽Indian football needs us. The ISL's future is uncertain - and that affects players, clubs, and thousands of livelihoods. ⚠️ twitter/r4ZUyY5cHB

- Blasters Corner (@BlastersC77303) November 10, 2025

Other club fans have time to mock Kerala Blasters fans, but has no time to raise voice for the uncertainty of #ISL and the ones at the AIFF destroying the reputation of #Indianfootball. So called 'National Club', its players, its fans are silent.

- Vijaayyy! (@soopermon__) November 11, 2025

Blasters management has instructed senior team players including foreign players to return home.#KBFC #IndianFootball Abdul Rahman Mashood (@abdulrahmanmash) November 10, 2025

Kerala Blasters FC are NOT EXPECTED TO SUSPEND the contracts of their players or staffs. ❌ @90ndstoppage Uncertain times in Indian Football, but club collectively with players & staffs will work for alternative arrangements.  'FORCE MAJURE' NOT AN OPTION FOR NOW. ‍♂️ twitter/cU40B3c2MW

- Dhananjay K Shenoy (@im_shenoy) August 4, 2025

"It puts a lot of stress on owners, obviously, players, & staff, because there are specialised staff whose livelihood depends on football," Abhik Chatterjee Blasters has suspended ops for now. #IndianFootball #KeralaBlasters Neeladri Bhattacharjee (@Neeladri_27) November 10, 2025

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