Jamshedpur FC players, including India internationals Pronay Halder and Albino Gomes, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the club’s senior team.
The club announced on Friday that it would not participate in the upcoming ISL season after missing the deadline to pay the participation fee. Jamshedpur FC also confirmed it would wind up its first team, bringing an end to its presence in India’s top-flight league.
‘Jamshedpur FC Is An Emotion’
Midfielder Pronay Halder admitted the decision came as a shock and urged the Tata Group to rethink its stance.
“It was shocking news for me. I didn’t expect the Tata Group to make such a decision. It is my humble request that they change their decision and participate in the ISL because this is a huge platform for an entire generation,” Halder told PTI.
The 33-year-old, who has represented India in over 20 international matches, described the club as an emotional part of his career.
“For me, Jamshedpur FC is honestly an emotion. I hope the heads of Tata Steel and the Tata Group will reconsider and change their decision.”
Halder also highlighted the pathway the club has provided to emerging talent.
“Players like Nikhil Barla, Puya, Albino Gomes and Mohamed Sanan have recently made the national team. Young players progressing from the under-19 and under-22 levels see this club as a huge opportunity.”
Albino Gomes Calls It A Blow To Indian Football
Goalkeeper Albino Gomes, who made his India debut earlier this year, said the decision would have far-reaching consequences beyond the club itself.
“Shutting down this club means… I can’t digest it. I just want to appeal to the Tata Group to reconsider their decision because this isn’t about one year or two years—it’s about the future of Indian football.”
The 32-year-old added that Jamshedpur FC had played a crucial role in reviving his career after injury.
“I came here two years ago when I was recovering from an injury. The club gave me an opportunity to return to Indian football, and eventually I made my India debut. I am really grateful to this club.”
He also admitted that the entire squad was stunned by the announcement.
“I never thought Jamshedpur FC would shut down so easily. All the players were completely shocked.”
Young Midfielder Barla Makes Emotional Plea
Local midfielder Nikhil Barla, who rose through the Tata Football Academy (TFA), described the club’s closure as heartbreaking.
“Personally and emotionally, I am feeling very disturbed. I would like to appeal to the Tata Group and the heads of Tata Steel to think about the decision they have taken and the future of the young players.”
“Whatever I am today is because of Jamshedpur FC and TFA. This club is my dream club, and seeing it wind up is a heartbreaking moment for me.”
The 2026-27 ISL season is scheduled to begin on September 4, with Jamshedpur FC’s withdrawal marking one of the biggest setbacks in the league’s history.
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