The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey has appealed to the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League (ISL), describing the development as a major setback for Indian football.

The Tata group recently confirmed that Jamshedpur FC’s exit from the country’s top-flight league was part of a long-term strategic plan aimed at shifting its focus back to grassroots football development. Tata Steel Vice President (Corporate Services) D.B. Sundara Ramam also clarified that the decision was unrelated to the uncertainty surrounding the ISL’s commercial future and would not be revisited.

Despite that stance, Chaubey expressed hope that the company could reconsider.

“AIFF would be happy if Tata remains in football, especially in senior top tier football. If an AIFF request or application can change their mind…the AIFF would like to appeal that for the interest of the players and football, Tata should remain in the senior football league,” Chaubey told PTI in an interview.

He also assured that the federation remains open to discussions.

“The AIFF welcomes any suggestion (from them) and is ready to incorporate the suggestions to ensure the best outcome,” he said.

Tata Steel has already confirmed that Jamshedpur FC will honour all existing player contracts and assist footballers in securing opportunities with other clubs following the team’s withdrawal. Chaubey, however, believes the decision goes beyond financial considerations.

“It’s all about, I think, some decision in the boardroom. And I’m sure there are reasons, but it cannot be for Rs 1.1 crore participation fee or management fee. It is not that. When the board decided to withdraw the senior team from the top-tier league, I am sure they had a reason for taking this harsh decision.

“They are aware of the football fans’ reaction, but I assume this cannot be only a financial decision because Tata has many enterprises and businesses,” he observed.

The former India goalkeeper also praised Tata’s enduring contribution to Indian football, particularly through the Tata Football Academy (TFA), which has produced several generations of footballers since its establishment in 1987. Chaubey himself is among its alumni.

The AIFF chief also spoke about his personal association with the academy and the role it has played in shaping Indian football over the decades.

“I learned football through Tata Football Academy. Since 1987 till date, nearly 275 or more player have graduated from TFA. I am also one among them and perhaps Renedy Singh and myself served the longest period in the Tata Football Academy,” he concluded.