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Jamshedpur FC to cease operations after Durand Cup, Tata Steel assures footballer contracts honored. Focus shifts to grassroots football.
Jamshedpur FC players find themselves out of jobs at the end of the Durand Cup (Picture credit: X @JamshedpurFC)
Tata Steel’s Corporate Services vice president, Sundara Raman, has said that if any Jamshedpur FC footballer isn’t picked up by any other club at the end of the Durand Cup, their contractual commitments will be honoured, with the club all set to stop operations ahead of the Indian Super League.
The development came months after uncertainty over the ISL’s future after the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Ltd and brought an end to Jamshedpur’s nine-year stint in the top flight.
Jamshedpur is currently plying their trade in the Durand Cup, but with the team all set to be dismantled after the tournament, the future of the footballers is at stake.
“We have given both options to the players. If someone wants to join another club, we will facilitate that. If someone isn’t picked up, then whatever contractual commitments we have made will be honoured,” Raman said while speaking to PTI.
The announcement has prompted multiple Jamshedpur FC footballers to take to social media, requesting the club to reconsider its decision.
“Our CEO, Mukul Choudhari, first spoke to all the players and communicated the decision. We didn’t take their consent, but there was complete transparency in communication,” Raman said.
“The entire ecosystem isn’t going to be affected. Coaches, technical staff, functional staff and everyone associated with our youth programme will continue,” Raman added.
The official said that Tata Steel’s immediate priority would now shift towards grassroots football initiatives and nurturing young talent.
“Absolutely, as far as football is concerned, our focus is now on grassroots and youth development. It isn’t like that. We aren’t moving the club anywhere. Our commitment to Jamshedpur remains and our grassroots work will continue with even greater intensity,” Raman said.
August 04, 2026, 20:51 IST
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