FC Goa officially announced the immediate suspension of its first-team operations on January 5, 2026, a decision communicated by CEO Ravi Puskur to players and staff during an online meeting. The drastic step was attributed to the prolonged and unresolved uncertainty plaguing the Indian Super League (ISL) and the wider Indian football ecosystem. This uncertainty arose from an ongoing impasse between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL) regarding the league's format, commercial partnerships, and financial responsibilities for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The club's move mirrored a similar decision by Bengaluru FC, which suspended its first-team operations on December 31. The suspensions highlighted the severe challenges faced by Indian football clubs, with some players even resorting to protests during an AFC Champions League Two fixture on December 24, 2025, to draw attention to the crisis. However, a significant breakthrough occurred on January 7, 2026, after government intervention. Following a meeting involving the Sports Minister, AIFF president, and club representatives, it was announced that the ISL 2025-26 season is now set to commence on February 14, 2026. All 14 clubs, including FC Goa, are expected to participate, although reports suggest that clubs might require financial sacrifices from players to manage the additional burden. This development brings a tentative end to the period of suspension and uncertainty, offering a lifeline to the delayed season and Indian football.