The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has informed all 13 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs that their views will be sought by consultancy firm KPMG India Services LLP while preparing tender documents for the federation’s commercial rights.
On Monday, AIFF officially announced the appointment of KPMG to oversee the process of monetising its commercial properties. The decision followed a joint request from the ISL clubs, who had written to the federation on September 8 seeking representation in the tender process.
In a letter to the clubs, AIFF stated, “Being a participating club in the top-tier league, the team from KPMG will reach out to you shortly to schedule a one-on-one meeting either in person or virtually, at a mutually convenient time.
Your inputs will be valuable in formulating the (bid) process.”
Why Clubs’ Views Matter
A senior AIFF official explained the rationale behind including the clubs in the consultation stage:
“Before the structuring of the tender, we thought it would be ideal to take inputs from the stakeholders. All the club owners, they have invested in the last 10 years. Their inputs are important to plan Indian football for the next 15 years. Also, KPMG can meet FSDL separately to understand how they have done in the last 15 years.”
KPMG is expected to begin individual meetings with club CEOs from Thursday, a process likely to take around a week.
Once this phase is complete, KPMG will also meet AIFF’s current commercial partners and ISL organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) before convening a joint physical session with all club owners.
The AIFF hopes to issue the tender by October 1.
Legal Backdrop and Oversight
The consultation comes in the wake of a Supreme Court hearing last month in a pending case. Both AIFF and FSDL submitted a consensual resolution to conduct an open, competitive, and transparent tender process in line with global best practices to select a new commercial partner for Indian football.
They assured the court that the process would conclude by October 15, 2025, giving clarity to clubs, broadcasters, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Subject to approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the ISL season could then begin in December.
To ensure transparency, the Supreme Court directed AIFF to set up a three-member oversight committee headed by former SC judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao. The other members include Kesavaran Murugasu, a member of the AFC Audit and Compliance Committee, and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey.
Crisis Triggered by FSDL’s Withdrawal
The urgency stems from a crisis that unfolded on July 11, when FSDL announced it was putting the 2025–26 ISL season on hold due to uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with AIFF. The current MRA expires in December 2025.
The suspension created instability in the league, prompting at least three clubs to pause first-team operations or suspend salaries for players and staff.
(with PTI inputs)
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