Carlos Delgado, the Odisha FC defender who is currently in Spain for the New Year, speaks exclusively to RevSportz about the uncertainty surrounding Indian football, the stalled Indian Super League (ISL) season, and the growing concern among players, clubs, and the global football ecosystem.
Rohan Chowdhury: Carlos, welcome to RevSportz. You’re currently in Spain, away from Odisha FC, enjoying the New Year – but amid a lot of uncertainty. How did you spend New Year and how are you looking into the grim situation Indian football is currently in?
Carlos Delgado: First of all, Happy New Year to everyone. I spent the New Year quietly here in Spain with my family. But honestly, it’s difficult to enjoy completely because the situation in Indian football affects all of us – players, coaches, staff, and fans.
We are already in 2026, and we don’t know if the ISL will happen or not. The next few days are crucial – not just for players or clubs, but for the entire Indian football ecosystem. Decisions must be taken now. If not, Indian football will face a very serious situation.
Rohan: You mentioned before the recording that Spanish media is also closely following what’s happening in Indian football. Can you tell us how the situation is being viewed in Spain?
Carlos: Yes. In Spain, many journalists follow Indian football because there are a lot of Spanish players and coaches in the ISL. I’ve been giving interviews here, including to Diario AS, one of the biggest newspapers in Spain.
They simply cannot understand what is happening. They have followed Indian football for the last 10–12 years and have seen how much it has progressed. For them, it’s shocking that an entire football ecosystem can be blocked like this.
We try to explain the situation, but it’s difficult – even for them to believe – because so many people are suffering due to indecision. I was in an interview with the former East Bengal coach, Carles Cuadrat, trying to explain Indian football to the Spanish media, and they just couldn’t understand the whole situation and how such a league might be stopped.
Rohan: It’s January, the transfer window is open, and we’ve already seen players leaving ISL clubs. What is motivating you to continue with Odisha FC despite this uncertainty?
Carlos: A footballer’s career is very short. Some players simply cannot afford to wait an entire season. I completely understand why some are leaving to look for opportunities elsewhere.
For me, Indian football, and especially Odisha FC, has been one of the most important parts of my career. I’ve played for clubs like Valencia, Castellón, Leganés, Albacete, and more, but what I feel with Odisha is special.
I don’t want to leave Indian football in this situation. That’s not who I am. But all stakeholders must move in the same direction. Right now, that’s not happening, and that worries me.
Rohan: You mentioned players are trying to unite and find solutions. What exactly are you and your colleagues doing?
Carlos: We have an Odisha players’ group, and another WhatsApp group with ISL captains. We discuss ideas – what can players do to help Indian football move forward?
We know players are only one part of the system. There are many stakeholders. But we are trying, in good faith, to push things positively. In the coming days, you may see some action. But for now, discussions are ongoing.
Rohan: Players alone can only do so much if governing bodies and investors are not aligned. What are other captains saying?
Carlos: At this moment, I can’t share those conversations publicly. We need to wait a few days. But I can say this – the time is now.
We already had meetings with the AIFF and ISL captains back in November. Even then, we said there wasn’t enough time to delay decisions. Now December is gone, January is here, and we are in the same – or maybe even worse – situation.
After the players released a joint statement, in November, a meeting was organised with ISL captains and clubs. We were told the ISL would “happen for sure”. But we raised serious concerns.
Clubs need clarity – costs, venues, AFC spots, competition structure. These are basic questions. In Spain, we cannot imagine playing La Liga without knowing the Champions League qualification rules or financial conditions.
Indian football does not deserve this confusion.
Rohan: From a sporting perspective, how damaging is it for players to go 6–7 months without competitive football?
Carlos: It’s very damaging. Training alone is not the same as training and competing with teammates. This affects rhythm, confidence, and career progression.
But this doesn’t only affect players – it affects the Indian national team. How can India compete internationally when players come into national camps without match fitness?
The ranking drop is normal. If you don’t play from May and expect to win in September or October, it’s impossible.
Rohan: Have Indian players approached you about trials or opportunities in Europe?
Carlos: Yes. Especially younger players from Odisha—I’ve had conversations with players like Subham (Bhattacharya) and Narendra (Gehlot) that they can try out in Europe. The talent is there. Players like Chhangte can easily come to Europe.
What’s heart-breaking is that India is producing quality young players, but if they don’t play this season, their progression is cut. Young players need one thing: play, play, play.
Without that, development stops.
Rohan: Do you have any indication of when you might return to India?
Carlos: If there is good news, I can travel tomorrow – I already have my visa. All foreign players want to return and play. That’s our job, our life.
It’s frustrating to be in this situation when your entire career is dedicated to football.
Rohan: Finally, what is your message to the AIFF, ISL committee, and potential investors and any other stakeholder who might resolve the issue?
Carlos: The league, till now, has been fantastic. Please listen to the clubs, the players, the people around Indian football. Put egos aside – because with ego, agreement is impossible.
This is a crucial moment, especially for the younger generation. Think about the entire ecosystem – players, staff, workers, fans.
If wrong decisions are made now, we may reach a point of no return. Indian football deserves better.
Rohan: Carlos, thank you for speaking so openly. We hope football returns soon, and that we see you back in India very soon.
Carlos: Thank you so much. I hope so too.
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