The months of uncertainty in Indian football seemingly ended last week when, on January 6, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the ISL 2026, which was on hold due to the absence of a commercial partner, would start on February 14.
The ISL 2025-26 was supposed to being in September 2025, but the delay and financial stalemate surrounding this season because of the expiration of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) and the lack of a commercial partner, has triggered an exodus.
Several players terminated contracts to find playing time in other leagues or anticipating paycuts, while others have been loaned out to remain match fit. Here’s a look at such players from across franchises.
Adrián Luna (Kerala Blasters): The club's captain secured a loan move to an Indonesian club to spend the remainder of the season, a move that is expected to ease the club's financial burden.
Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters): The forward has been loaned out to an Indonesian club for the remainder of the season.
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Halicharan Narzary (Bengaluru FC): Loaned to I-League side Diamond Harbour FC.
Mohammed Kaif (SC Delhi): Loaned to an I-League team.
Likmabam Rakesh (Punjab FC): Loaned to Mumbai City FC.
Dimitrios Diamantakos (East Bengal): The former Golden Boot winner parted ways with the club mid-season due to the instability.
Roy Krishna (Odisha FC): The ISL legend left India to join Bula FC in Fiji.
Javi Hernández & Jorge Pereyra Díaz (Bengaluru FC): Both veterans were released as Bengaluru FC moved toward a complete foreign roster overhaul.
Mourtada Fall & Ahmed Jahouh (Odisha FC): Both iconic club figures left the country during the hiatus, and are reportedly free agents now.
Tiago Alves (Kerala Blasters): Mutually terminated his contract after only 68 minutes of pre-season action.
Joni Kauko (Inter Kashi): The Finnish Euro 2020 star was released following the club's promotion to ISL.
Tiri (Mumbai City FC): Terminated the contract to reportedly join Persijap Jepara in Indonesia.
Kevin Sibille (East Bengal): The Argentine defender is reportedly seeking a move back to Europe (linked with FC Cartagena).
