Indian football 'hurt, scared' as domestic game hits fresh low

The dream of India emerging as a global footballing powerhouse, once famously dubbed a "sleeping giant" by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 2007, appears more distant than ever. Far from awakening, the giant remains in a deep, troubled slumber. Recent developments within the domestic game have plunged Indian football into a fresh crisis, leaving stakeholders, from professional players to budding enthusiasts, feeling a profound sense of hurt and fear for the sport's future. The current predicament is not merely a dip in form but a systemic decay, manifesting from the highest echelons of administration down to the very grassroots where passion should ideally ignite.

At the heart of Indian football's enduring malaise lies a complicated web of governance issues. The sport’s administrative bodies have frequently been criticized for a lack of transparency, strategic vision, and consistent leadership. Infighting, power struggles, and an apparent disconnect from the ground realities have plagued decision-making, leading to policies that often prioritize short-term gains or political maneuvering over sustainable development. Financial mismanagement allegations and the inability to establish a cohesive, long-term league structure that benefits all tiers of the pyramid have further eroded trust. This top-down instability creates a ripple effect, stifling investment, discouraging talent retention, and ultimately, alienating the very fans and players who are the lifeblood of the game. The absence of a unified, clear pathway for clubs and players makes progression uncertain and ambitious projects often collapse under their own weight or administrative hurdles.