New Delhi: Former India captain Sunil Chhetri has made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reconsider its decision to discontinue Jamshedpur FC’s first team operations, describing the move as a significant blow to Indian football.
Responding to the club’s announcement, Chhetri said Indian football has always relied on committed long term stakeholders and praised the Tata Group for its decades of contribution to the sport. He noted that institutions such as the Tata Football Academy and Jamshedpur FC have played a vital role in developing football talent and strengthening the game in the country.
Calling the decision “a punch to the gut,” Chhetri expressed concern over the immediate impact on players, coaches and support staff, many of whom will now have to look for new opportunities. While acknowledging that clubs and leagues may continue, he warned that the absence of the Tata Group from the top tier of Indian football would leave a gap that would be difficult to fill.
The veteran striker also recognised that major sporting decisions are often influenced by financial and business considerations. However, he urged the Tata Group to place the long term interests of Indian football above commercial concerns and reconsider its decision, saying the sport needs their continued support during a challenging period.
Jamshedpur FC announced that it will withdraw from the Indian Super League (ISL) from the 2026-27 season onwards. The decision was confirmed by Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited, the Tata Steel owned company that operates the club.
Despite exiting the ISL, the organisation said it will continue contributing to Indian football through grassroots initiatives and youth development programmes aimed at identifying and nurturing future talent.
Founded ahead of the 2017-18 ISL season, Jamshedpur FC spent nine seasons in India’s top division. The club’s biggest achievement came in the 2021-22 season, when it won the ISL League Shield under head coach Owen Coyle. It also qualified for the playoffs in the 2024-25 season under Khalid Jamil. The club is currently participating in the ongoing Durand Cup, although its future involvement beyond the tournament remains uncertain following the withdrawal announcement.
