Overview
- At kickoff on December 24 in Margao, FC Goa briefly stood still in an AFC Champions League Two match against FC Istiklol to spotlight domestic uncertainty.
- FC Goa said the pause addressed India’s football governance crisis and was not directed at FC Istiklol, the AFC, or the competition.
- The ISL remains on hold after the 15-year Master Rights Agreement expired on December 8, following FSDL’s earlier notice that the season would be paused.
- A Supreme Court-appointed panel’s tender for ISL commercial rights drew no bids, and on December 20 the AIFF General Body rejected a proposal from 10 clubs seeking perpetual control, forming a committee to examine options.
- FC Goa lost 1-2 to finish with six defeats in six group matches, while reports of City Football Group exiting Mumbai City FC and the men’s team missing 2027 Asian Cup qualification illustrate wider fallout.