In recent years, financial troubles have cast a looming shadow over football clubs in India, exposing the vulnerability of the country’s premier league. Bengaluru FC, a prominent club, raised concerns about sustaining losses exceeding Rs 25 crore per season, echoing the widespread financial challenges within Indian football.
Parth Jindal, owner of Bengaluru FC, highlighted the harsh reality faced by every facet of Indian football, stressing that financial losses are rampant across the board. The economic strain is particularly pronounced in the Indian Super League (ISL) teams, surpassing the challenges faced by I-League counterparts.
Hyderabad FC is the latest casualty of this financial crisis, grappling with deep-rooted problems that threaten the club’s existence. Recently, FIFA imposed a ban on Hyderabad FC for failing to clear due salaries owed to coaches and players, underscoring the severity of their financial predicament.
The dire situation has further escalated with reports of players, both Indian and foreign, hesitating to join the camp due to delayed salary payments. Some current players are even seeking releases from the club, eager to part ways amid ongoing financial turmoil.
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A recent away game against Jamshedpur FC took a distressing turn for Hyderabad FC as they struggled to settle hotel bills, leading the hotel owner to file a case against them. While the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) extended financial support, it proved insufficient to alleviate the mounting crisis.
The pressing question now hovers over the future of Hyderabad FC. With the specter of closure or a potential sale to another group looming large, the club stands at a crossroads. The financial woes afflicting Indian football demand urgent attention and collaborative solutions to safeguard the sport’s integrity and sustainability.