Club owner Parth Jindal claimed that the team’s administration has had open, honest meetings with all first team players about “navigating the situation the sport finds itself in.”
For the shortened Indian Super League (ISL) season starting on February 14, Bengaluru FC players, including India legend Sunil Chhetri, have agreed to take a pay cut. Club owner Parth Jindal expressed gratitude to the players for making the "sacrifice" in the best interests of the team and the game.
Jindal stated that all first team players have had candid discussions with the club's administration regarding "navigating the situation the sport finds itself in." A condensed version of the postponed ISL, which has been on hold for over four months, will resume on February 14.
"Everyone knows that Indian football is going through a difficult time. Jindal stated on X, "This has been one of the hardest times ever for me as the owner of the BFC team and someone who is really passionate about the sport and the club."
"I am appreciative of all the first team members who have consented to lower their pay during this stage. This was undoubtedly one of the hardest choices our team has ever had to make, and I sincerely appreciate that the players made this sacrifice for the benefit of the team and the game," he continued.
When Jindal urged the players to "make sacrifices" in light of the "financial burden" the club will bear in order to compete in the postponed ISL last month, he was one of the first ISL club administrators to suggest the need for voluntary salary reductions by the players.
He had warned that his team could have to "shut shop for good" if the players didn't support it.
At that time, Jindal did not clearly describe the kind of “sacrifice” the footballers would be forced to make, but had hinted at a decreased income for this season.
The club contains, among others, former India captain Sunil Chhetri and standout goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC has confirmed the appointment of former India international Renedy Singh as senior squad head coach for the 2018 ISL season.
Players and support personnel of FC Goa, including India captain Sandesh Jhingan, accepted pay reductions for the ISL season last month. The club described their choice as a "selfless" deed.
"Deeply humbled by this gesture and immensely grateful for the unity, character, and commitment shown by the group," the AIFF Super Cup winning team had stated. Other members of the national squad, like Boris Singh and Udanta Singh, are on FC Goa's roster.
All 14 clubs have confirmed participation in the abbreviated ISL with 91 matches expected to be contested on home and away basis. Each team will participate in thirteen games.
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