India's national football team is grappling with a multitude of challenges, ranging from a lack of a head coach and poor performance to a potential collapse of the Indian Super League (ISL). The men's national team, currently ranked 133rd in FIFA rankings, has won only one of its last sixteen matches and recently suffered a defeat to Hong Kong in Asian Cup qualifying. Star striker Sunil Chhetri, despite his return from retirement at age 40, highlights the lack of young talent within the team. The ISL, India's top football league, faces potential collapse due to a contract dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), affecting over 5,000 individuals.

Despite these challenges, national football team director Subrata Paul remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for investment in youth development, infrastructure, and coaching. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter's 2007 prediction of India as a "sleeping giant" of football remains unfulfilled, with the sport lagging behind cricket and hockey in popularity. Concerns over mismanagement within the AIFF are also voiced by veteran sports journalist Jaydeep Basu. FIFA's chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, recently visited India and advocated for starting football training at an earlier age.

While there has been some past success, including Olympic appearances between 1948 and 1960, India's current struggles underscore the systemic issues hindering the growth of football in the country.

Impact Statement: The ongoing crises within Indian football threaten the stability of the ISL and the national team's prospects, potentially hindering the development of the sport in the world's most populous nation.