Jamshedpur FC withdraws from ISL amid calls for rethinking decision
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
Jamshedpur FC has withdrawn from the Indian Super League, as announced by Tata Steel, which will focus on grassroots development. The news has been met with disappointment from players and fans, including defender Pratik Chaudhari, who expressed the impact of the withdrawal on Indian football. Protests and petitions are being organized by supporters, and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri described the situation as a 'punch to the gut'. The withdrawal may have wide implications for the league and its future.
- •Tata Steel withdraws Jamshedpur FC from Indian Super League.
- •Focus will shift to grassroots development initiatives.
- •Players and fans rally against the decision, expressing deep concern.
- •Protests and petitions launched to advocate for rethinking the withdrawal.
- •Sunil Chhetri calls the situation a 'punch to the gut' for Indian football.
- 1:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Punch to the gut’: Indian football thrown into chaos with Jamshedpur withdrawal from ISL | John Duerden
"In a blow for the league, Tata Steel has pulled the plug on the club saying it wants to ‘focus more intensely on grassroots development’ “Please don’t let this be the final whistle for Jamshedpur FC,” the defender Pratik Chaudhari said, looking into the camera as teammates looked on disconsolately. “We would like to say on behalf of all the players, please do rethink about this. Because if this happens, this is not just a loss for Indian football ... this is a big loss for all of India.” In addition, fans of the Indian Super League club marched in protest, petitions were launched, and the Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri said it was a “punch to the gut” and joined others in begging for a rethink. Continue reading...
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