Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza and his entire backroom staff have parted ways with the club, adding to the deepening crisis engulfing Indian football. The Spanish manager, who guided the Blues to last season’s ISL Cup final, is set to join a Greek club, according to reports. His exit comes at a time when the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) remains clouded with uncertainty following the AIFF’s failed tender process.
Zaragoza’s departure is symbolic of a broader instability that has gripped the domestic landscape. Several ISL clubs, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters, have suspended operations, while others have scaled down activities. With no clarity on the league’s 2025–26 calendar, planning long-term projects has become impossible for many coaches and professionals.
The collapse of the ISL tender has triggered the current turmoil. Despite initial interest from four entities, none submitted a final bid, with the AIFF’s demand of a minimum ₹37.5 crore annual guarantee seen as a major deterrent. The federation is now looking to restructure its approach, even seeking inputs from its Executive Committee on alternate commercial models. The matter is expected to be placed before the Supreme Court once Justice L Nageswara Rao submits his report.
Meanwhile, anxiety among players has escalated sharply. As per sources, captains of all ISL clubs have filed a petition in court, appealing for an immediate solution that would allow the league to begin its 2025–26 season. FIFPro Asia/Oceania has also taken note of the situation, as professionals face disruptions to training, income, and contracts.
For Bengaluru FC, Zaragoza’s exit is a significant setback. The Spaniard guided the team to the ISL Final and also a fourth-place league finish last season with 38 points from 24 games.
With the AIFF set to meet ISL clubs on November 18 to explore the possibility of conducting the season between January and May, all eyes remain on the next steps.
For The Latest Sports Updates Follow RevSportz