Kerala Blasters are still searching for their first win in the 2025-26 ISL season.
Frustration among the fans has now boiled over, with Manjappada, the club’s leading supporters’ group, officially announcing a boycott while calling for major changes within the club’s leadership.
In a strongly worded statement titled “The Cause for Boycott,” the group made it clear that the issue goes beyond just one disappointing season. They pointed to years of questionable decisions, lack of stability, and the absence of a clear footballing vision as the root of the problem.
Fans raise concerns over leadership and long-term vision
ISL 2025-26: Manjappada call for boycott, demand accountability from Kerala Blasters’ management
At the core of the statement is strong criticism of the club’s leadership, especially the absence of a clear long-term footballing plan.
The supporters stressed that effective sporting leadership should bring continuity, define a playing style, and maintain squad stability over time. However, they feel the club has fallen short on all counts.
Manjappada highlighted issues like inconsistent recruitment, frequent managerial changes, and a recurring cycle of rebuilding that has stalled any real progress. They also pointed out how coaches have come and gone in quick succession, often without enough time to implement their ideas, resulting in a lack of tactical identity.
Recruitment and squad management questioned by fans
ISL 2025-26: Manjappada call for boycott, demand accountability from Kerala Blasters’ management
Another key issue highlighted by the supporters revolves around the club’s approach to recruitment and overall squad management.
The statement points to a series of questionable signings, ongoing fitness concerns, and the exit of important players without proper replacements. According to the fans, these decisions have led to an imbalanced squad that has struggled to deliver consistent performances.
They also noted that even when the team showed glimpses of progress in previous seasons, there was little effort to build on it. Instead, the club has remained stuck in a cycle of changing coaches, reshaping the squad, and starting from scratch once again.
CEO and management come under fire from fans
Frustration has now spilled beyond performances on the pitch, with supporters openly criticising the club’s leadership, including CEO Abhik Chatterjee.
The statement claims that trust in the management has eroded due to poor results, inconsistent decisions, and a lack of transparency in key appointments and long-term planning.
Fans also pointed to a growing disconnect between the club and its supporters, arguing that their voices have gone unheard. They made it clear that loyalty should not be mistaken for blind acceptance of failure.
This marks a significant moment for Kerala Blasters, as one of Indian football’s most passionate fanbases publicly challenges the club’s direction. The focus now shifts to how the management responds and whether it leads to real change in the weeks ahead.