Jamshedpur FC to exit ISL from 2026-27 season, vows to focus on grassroots football
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 1: In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Indian football and left thousands of supporters in Jharkhand…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 1: In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Indian football and left thousands of supporters in Jharkhand disappointed, Jamshedpur FC (JFC) has officially announced that it will not participate in the Indian Super League (ISL) from the 2026-27 season onwards, bringing the curtain down on its nearly decade-long journey in India’s premier football competition.
In an official statement, the club said that although its ISL chapter is ending, Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Pvt. Ltd. (JFSPL), the Tata Steel-owned company that owns and operates Jamshedpur FC, remains firmly committed to the long-term development of football in India.
Grassroots Development to Remain the Priority
The club said it will continue investing in grassroots football by identifying, nurturing and developing young talent across the country while strengthening pathways for aspiring footballers to progress from the grassroots level to national and international football.
The announcement signals a strategic shift in the club’s focus from top-flight league participation to long-term football development.
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Heartfelt Farewell to Fans
Jamshedpur FC expressed profound gratitude to its supporters, who stood behind the club throughout its journey since its inception in 2017.
The club thanked fans for turning the JRD Tata Sports Complex into the iconic “Furnace” with their passionate support and electrifying match-day atmosphere.
JFC also acknowledged the contributions of its players, coaches, technical staff, employees and everyone associated with the club, crediting them for making its nine-year ISL journey memorable.
The club further thanked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for its continued support and wished both the AIFF and the Indian Super League success in their future endeavours.
End of a Remarkable Football Journey
Jamshedpur FC joined the Indian Super League in 2017 and quickly established itself as one of the competition’s most competitive clubs. The team won the ISL League Winners’ Shield and built one of the country’s most passionate fan bases, with Jamshedpur emerging as one of India’s prominent football centres.
The club’s withdrawal marks the end of one of the most significant chapters in the growth of professional football in eastern India.
Fans React with Emotion
The announcement has triggered an emotional response from football lovers in Jamshedpur, many of whom described the decision as a huge setback for the city’s sporting identity.
“This is a deeply emotional moment for football lovers in Jamshedpur. JFC gave the city a unique football identity on the national stage. We only hope the commitment to grassroots football eventually leads to a stronger comeback,” said Anirban Ghosh, a local football enthusiast.
Echoing similar sentiments, community football coach Rakesh Soren said:
“The ISL won’t feel the same without Jamshedpur FC. The club inspired hundreds of youngsters to dream of becoming professional footballers. Its renewed focus on grassroots development is welcome, but fans will continue to hope for its return to top-flight football.”
The club’s decision comes amid changes in the ISL’s operational structure for the upcoming season and follows its confirmation that it would not participate in the league under the new framework.
