A fan-led online petition titled ‘Save Jamshedpur FC: Protect Tata’s Football Legacy and the Future of Indian Football’ has been launched on Change.org after the club decided to withdraw from the Indian Super League (ISL) from the 2026-27 season. The petition urges Tata Steel and the club’s management to reverse the decision, arguing that Jamshedpur FC has become an integral part of Indian football and the sporting identity of the Steel City.
The campaign comes days after Jamshedpur FC players, including two senior India internationals, made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reconsider its decision to shut down the senior team.
Jamshedpur FC confirmed it would not participate in the upcoming ISL season after failing to pay the mandatory Rs 1.1 crore participation fee before the extended AIFF deadline on Friday. Addressed to Tata Steel and Jamshedpur FC, the petition describes the club as “more than just a football team” and highlights its contribution to developing young Indian footballers, inspiring a loyal fan base and strengthening the domestic game since its inception in 2017.
“Jamshedpur FC is more than just a football club. It is a symbol of hope, pride, and identity for the people of Jamshedpur and football fans across India. Since its inception in 2017, the club has become a cornerstone of Indian football, nurturing local talent, inspiring young athletes, and creating unforgettable memories for thousands of supporters,” the petition reads.
It also warns that the club’s exit would deal a significant blow to Indian football, affecting players, staff, academy prospects and the local football ecosystem.
“The closure of Jamshedpur FC would not only devastate its loyal fanbase but also weaken the football ecosystem in India. It would impact players, coaches, support staff, grassroots initiatives, and aspiring footballers who look up to the club as a pathway to professional football,” it adds.
The campaign calls on Tata Steel to continue supporting the club, citing the company’s long-standing contribution to Indian sport and describing Jamshedpur FC as a legacy worth preserving. The petition urges the management to engage with supporters and stakeholders before taking any irreversible decision.
Jamshedpur FC confirmed on Friday that it would not participate in the ISL from the 2026-27 season onwards. The club, however, said it would continue to contribute to Indian football through grassroots development and talent identification programmes.
According to multiple reports, the club’s board of directors has decided to wind up the first team. Meanwhile, Inter Kashi completed the payment of the participation fee, leaving Jamshedpur FC as the only club to pull out ahead of the new season, which is scheduled to begin on September 4.
The decision comes despite the AIFF and ISL clubs reaching a landmark agreement in July to introduce a club-led model for operating the league. Under the new structure, clubs contribute administrative fees to the AIFF, which retains regulatory control while receiving 10 per cent of the league’s net profits.
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 from the 2026-27 season. Titled 'Save Jamshedpur FC', the campaign urges Tata Steel and the club's management to reverse the decision and keep the club alive.){kind=link}