AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey Urges Tata Group to Reconsider Jamshedpur FC’s ISL Exit

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has appealed to the Tata group to reconsider withdrawing Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League, calling the decision shocking and offering to adapt to the corporate group's suggestions.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has made a direct appeal to the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League (ISL). Calling the move shocking, Chaubey expressed hope that the legacy corporate entity would rethink its exit in the broader interest of Indian football and its players.

Chaubey stated that the federation is open to suggestions from the corporate house and is ready to incorporate changes to ensure the best possible outcome. He noted that Tata's stance is unlikely to be driven purely by financial decisions, such as the ₹1.1 crore participation or management fee, given the group's long-standing non-commercial commitment to Indian sports.

However, Tata Steel Vice President (Corporate Services) D.B. Sundara Ramam insisted that the decision is a long-planned strategic shift to return to grassroots football development. Sundara Ramam emphasized that the exit is not related to the ISL's commercial future and will not be reconsidered, though Tata Steel assured that Jamshedpur FC will honour all existing player contracts and help footballers secure new clubs.

Chaubey, a former India goalkeeper who trained at the Tata Football Academy (TFA), highlighted the group's massive contribution to the sport, noting that nearly 275 players have graduated from the academy since its inception in 1987. He urged the board to remain involved in top-tier senior football alongside its youth development efforts.

Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.