One minute it was there and the next it wasn’t there.
A handful of fans from East Bengal, who had made the journey to Margao to express their support and express their concerns, had taken the trouble to print a message that mattered.
As the referee blew the whistle for the start of the Super Cup semi-final between East Bengal and Punjab FC, the Red and Gold faithful unfurled the banner reading ‘SAVE INDIAN FOOTBALL’ at the East Upper Stand of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
It caught the attention of everyone in the media center. The banner was also right in the frame of the broadcast’s hard camera shot. And it certainly caught the attention of some administrators as well.
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Five minutes later the banner shriveled along the railing as supporters looked confused and disappointed. «An official asked us to take it down. They said they got a call from the higher office asking them to take it down,» Victor said.
While East Bengal supporters’ day may have been brightened by the victory and the guarantee of another look at their team this year, the same could not be said for their fallen opponents, Punjab FC, who now have to play the waiting game.
There is still no clarity on whether the top division, the Indian Super League (ISL), will commence this season as the power struggle between the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the ISL clubs and the league’s potential new commercial partner continues.
Revisit Sportstar’s deep dive into the systemic issues plaguing the Indian football ecosystem.
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This impasse has led to some clubs suspending their activities, including Odisha FC, which did not participate in the Super Cup. Last month it said goodbye to head coach Sergio Lobera.
“(Waiting for) Just a call from anyone,” said Panagiotis Dilperis, the Greek head coach of Punjab. «I respect the country that gives me work and money to support my family. But behind me are also so many players and our fans. There are even big teams like East Bengal and their huge fan base, who are all waiting for this (start of the league). The national team needs players that they have been given. So, they have to love Indian football more and find a solution to start the ISL.»
Dimperis, who joined the club in 2024, made a desperate plea to stakeholders to find a solution quickly.
«I’m not saying it’s anyone’s fault. I’m trying to understand what’s going on, and as a foreigner here, I don’t understand that. Just a phone call… I’m pleading with them. If you love Indian football, you have to find a solution,» he insisted.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky, whose side was the other beaten semi-finalist, is hopeful that the ISL season will get underway even as he is unsure how to map out the coming days for the team.
«I plan to give them some rest. If everything goes well, we will restart in a few days and continue training. We have to be ready, if and when the ISL takes place,» the Czech said.
Mumbai City have played just four matches since the end of April this year.
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«The uncertainty is always difficult… we were lucky to have this tournament, so we have to appreciate every moment. We know it’s only a matter of time before football comes back,» Kratky said.
Only FC Goa will reach double figures for matches thanks to their participation in the AFC Champions League 2 when they play the Super Cup final next Sunday. After the Super Cup final, Goa has one more match to go against FC Istikol on December 24. And it is head coach Manolo Marquez who empathized with his counterpart’s challenge.
«Mumbai came to this match almost without any matches (in the last month). They have only played the three matches in the group stage,» Marquez said.
East Bengal, who are aiming to win the Super Cup and return to the continental stage next season, will be hoping for light at the end of the tunnel.
«East Bengal Football Club believes that the ISL will happen one way or another. After December 10-15, everything should be clear. The AIFF and the Indian government will ensure that the league goes ahead. The federation will have the final authority on the way forward,» Debabrata Sarkar, board of directors of the club, told reporters. Sports stars.
Late in the evening, the defiant East Bengal supporters did not want to go quietly into the night. They showed the banner again in the hall of the stadium. They were even joined by two unwitting Dinamo Minsk supporters, who took out their club flag next to the banner to show solidarity with the cause. But are the right people paying attention?
Published on December 5, 2025
