New Delhi: Tata Steel has assured that Jamshedpur FC will honour all existing player contracts and help footballers secure moves to new clubs after confirming its withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL).
The decision brings an end to Jamshedpur FC’s nine year journey in India’s top flight, but the club has emphasised that players and staff will not be left without support during the transition.
Tata Steel Vice President (Corporate Services) D B Sundara Raman said players were informed about the decision before the public announcement and were given the option to either pursue transfers or remain under their existing contracts. He stated that the club would facilitate moves for players seeking opportunities elsewhere and honour all contractual obligations if transfers do not materialise.
The announcement prompted emotional reactions from several Jamshedpur FC players on social media, who appealed for the decision to be reconsidered. However, the club maintained that the move followed a carefully planned strategy rather than being a sudden decision.
Sundara Raman clarified that the withdrawal from the ISL was unrelated to the uncertainty surrounding the league’s commercial future following the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). He said Tata Steel had been reviewing its football strategy for over a year and would have taken the same decision regardless of developments involving the league.
The company has instead chosen to focus entirely on grassroots football and youth development, areas it considers its greatest strength. Tata Steel confirmed that its youth programmes, coaches, technical staff and talent identification network will continue without disruption.
The Tata Football Academy, established in 1987, remains central to this vision. The academy has produced around 275 footballers, with more than 150 representing India and 26 captaining national teams across various age groups and the senior level. Since expanding its grassroots programme in 2017, Tata Steel has also reached nearly 6,700 children through football development initiatives.
The company also dismissed speculation that the decision reflected any disagreement with the AIFF or a reduction in its commitment to Indian football. Instead, Tata Steel said it remains fully committed to nurturing young talent while continuing to invest in football and several other sports across the country.
