AIFF has been asked to take the necessary measures to mend the situation.
The Indian football fraternity is in a gloomy mood after the Indian football team’s recent 1-0 loss to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on Tuesday (10 June, 2025). The Blue Tigers conceded a heartbreaking stoppage-time penalty to go down to their second straight loss in as many games and linger in third place in their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers group.
The players have faced a lot of criticism from fans for their underwhelming performances in what might be Manolo Marquez’s final game in charge for the Blue Tigers. There has been some criticism towards the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs as well, with supporters accusing them of failing to improve the quality of the Indian players and not getting them ready to compete at the international level.
However, some representatives of ISL clubs have refused to stay quiet on the matter and have blamed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its inability to implement some necessary changes that has resulted in all the ongoing problem.
ISL club owners demand accountability and changes from AIFF
FC Goa’s CEO, Ravi Puskur, went on a particularly heated rant on his Twitter (X) account where he pointed out all the issues in the Indian football system, which included that in the ISL, and ways to improve things.
He wrote in a series of tweets that go like: “A Humble Submission: I’ve always stopped short of airing my frustrations publicly because it’s the convenient and safer thing to do. But silence makes me part of the problem. So today, I’m choosing to voice it. Not from a place of anger but of accountability.
“The system is rotten in ways we refuse to admit. Everything moves on influence, favours, and fragile egos. We don’t have the maturity to manage the ecosystem we claim to be building. We turn on each other faster than we face uncomfortable truths.
“We lost the match versus Hong Kong yesterday and there’s outrage—players, coach, federation, clubs are all facing the ire. But the truth is: blame isn’t isolated. It belongs to all of us. And yes, that includes me.
“Clubs—mine included—have inflated player salaries irresponsibly. We are outbidding each other for perception, knowing fully well it’s unsustainable. Then we act shocked when these players fall flat on the international stage. WE built that illusion.
“It’s not that they don’t have potential—it’s that they’ve had little reason to stretch it. We’ve handed comfort to players, and with it, taken away their edge. Agents are part of the problem. They are draining the ambition out of players to ensure their pockets are well-lined. It’s not just about big contracts anymore—it’s about players losing hunger. There’s too much focus on earning, too little on evolving.
“The media mostly looks the other way too. No hard questions for fear of burning bridges. We need media who push us, challenge us, and force introspection. This polite silence is one of the system’s biggest enablers.
“Fans want their clubs to win. But how many are truly invested in change? Are you okay if we let go of a player who demands unreasonable money? Will you trust us to find someone hungrier, more grounded, and committed? If we enjoy your confidence, we’ll go out there and do exactly that. Will you back us when we speak to local governments, asking for infrastructure? Will you support our efforts to make it more accessible? We need that support. Not just when the games are won—but when hard decisions are made.
“As football clubs, collectively, we are the biggest investors in day to day Indian football We are expected to build academies, run teams, hire staff, create local ecosystems. Yet when it comes to shaping national football policy—we have no seat at the table. Do I claim to have all the answers? I don’t. But do I believe there are enough minds who care to find those answers, TOGETHER? Yes, I really do.
“As someone responsible for leading one football club, I will now strive to take a stance. Where more of our decisions aim to burst this bubble, however small the impact may be. We can’t undo it all in a day, but we will. If more decision-makers step forward, we’ll break it faster.”
Odisha FC owner Rohan Sharma joins in the conversation
Odisha FC owner, Rohan Sharma, agreed with Puskur’s opinions and he gave his own thoughts on what changes are necessary in Indian Football, stating: “Ravi is bang on! Echoes my sentiments exactly and written better than I could express. But I’d also like to add generally: Coaching changes at the NT level is just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Institutional changes HAS to be made. Building fields for free use so ANYONE can play. Subsidizing costs for Coaches who want Pro License. Grants to academies!”
Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal blasts AIFF after loss
Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal was fuming after seeing India loss to Hong Kong and urged the AIFF to introspect on the matter, suggesting his own changes.
He wrote on X (Twitter): “This is completely unacceptable @IndianFootball – just not good enough under any circumstances – deep introspection needed by the AIFF – this is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard earned money and effort to witness – get a manager and a system that works – it’s high time – there is too much effort to see a result like this.”
The Indian football team are back in action on 9 October 2025 when they travel to face Singapore in their next AFC Asian Cup qualifier. With the upcoming matches all being must-win ones, it remains to be seen what changes or appointments the AIFF makes to help the Blue Tigers push for a place in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
