Srinagar: Real Kashmir FC, the first club from Jammu & Kashmir to compete in the I-League and now part of the Indian Football League (IFL), is going through one of the most turbulent phases in its history. A series of changes—most notably the shift in ownership—has coincided with a visible decline in performance, raising concerns about the club’s future.
Over the years, Real Kashmir FC built a reputation as one of the toughest defensive sides in Indian football. Teams feared playing in Srinagar, where the club’s strong home record made it a formidable opponent.
The team looks unsettled, with disruptions across coaching and management. What was once a tightly run unit now seems fragmented, with internal inconsistencies affecting both morale and results.
In the ongoing IFL 2025–26 season, Real Kashmir FC is yet to register a win in five matches, managing two draws and three defeats. Their struggles were highlighted in a 0–1 home defeat to Namdhari FC, where the side lacked coordination, finishing, and intent.
Fan engagement has also dipped significantly, with more than half the stadium seats empty during recent matches—an unusual sight for a club that once thrived on strong local support.
Foundation Built on Strong Leadership
When Shamim Mehraj and Sandeep Chattoo were at the helm, Real Kashmir FC functioned as a well-knit and efficiently managed unit.
Mehraj played a hands-on role in building the club from the ground up. From assembling the team management to overseeing day-to-day operations, he remained deeply involved at every level. Alongside him, a committed backroom staff ensured that both on-field and off-field aspects were handled with precision.
While head coach David Robertson was widely credited for the team’s rise, those working behind the scenes—including assistant coaches, managers, and the ownership—formed the backbone of that success.
After Mehraj stepped away, Sandeep Chattoo carried forward the same structure despite financial challenges. He remained actively involved in every aspect of the club, from boosting player morale to maintaining operational stability. Even in difficult times, the club retained its identity and competitive edge due to this continuity.
Ownership Change and Leadership Gap
Following Chattoo’s demise, the club came under the ownership of Arshad Shawl. While Shawl has invested both time and money into the club—reportedly more than in previous seasons—questions remain about decision-making and overall management.
“Arshad is passionate and wants his club to do well. For that reason, he has spent more money on the club than one can expect. However, that money has gone to waste due to lack of management and the kind of feedback he is getting. In some cases, he may have been lured into paying more to players who don’t deserve it, and in others, he himself brought in players for big sums without consulting his team management,” said a source within the club.
Concerns Over Management and Structure
Multiple voices within the footballing circle have raised concerns over how the club is currently being run.
“He wants to be involved in everything, but he is surrounded by the wrong people who may not be his well-wishers and are giving him poor advice. The current squad looks imbalanced, the team management appears inexperienced, and even the club management is not at the level required for a competition like the IFL,” said a former player.
“He needs to connect with people at the ground level, reconnect with fans, and either make decisions after proper consultation or fully trust his management and hold them accountable,” he added.
Further criticism highlights structural inefficiencies:
“The current coach looks disoriented despite being a respected name. His assistants have not delivered. There are questionable decisions like having two physiotherapists, an analyst at this level, and a manager who continues to attract fines. Even the new club manager’s credentials are unclear. Player selection has been inconsistent, and media engagement is weak, with more focus on hospitality than communication. Fans no longer find a hero in this squad,” the former player pointed out.
Leadership Issues on the Pitch
On-field leadership has also come under scrutiny. The decision to appoint Inam as captain, despite experienced players like Kamal Issah, has raised questions.
“It was a bad decision to make Inam captain when someone like Issah is available. Inam should be allowed to play freely. He lacks leadership experience, and it was evident during the Namdhari game,” said a former Real Kashmir FC player.
Youth Philosophy Under Question
Club owner Arshad Shawl has emphasized a youth development philosophy. However, the current squad composition—featuring foreign recruits and experienced players—suggests a disconnect between stated vision and actual implementation.
While local players are part of the setup, critics argue that projecting the club as youth-driven does not fully align with reality.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
Real Kashmir FC is currently in the relegation zone, with a tough run of fixtures ahead against:
Gokulam Kerala FC
Sreenidi Deccan FC
Diamond Harbour FC
Chanmari FC
To realistically survive, the club will likely need to secure at least three wins at home—something that once seemed routine but now appears challenging.
More Than Just a Club at Stake
Relegation would not just affect Real Kashmir FC—it could have wider consequences for football in the region. The club has been a symbol of Kashmir’s rise in Indian football, and its fall could set back that progress significantly.
The Way Forward
For Arshad Shawl, the challenge is clear: stabilize the structure, correct internal flaws, rebuild trust within the squad, and reconnect with supporters.
The immediate goal remains survival this season—but beyond that, a deeper reset may be required to restore the club’s identity.
