Justice Retd. L Nageswara Rao has advised balancing the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) authority with the commercial interests of potential bidders. This recommendation follows an unsuccessful attempt to monetise the Indian Super League (ISL). The Supreme Court-appointed committee, led by Justice Rao, submitted a report after no bids were received for the ISL's commercial rights, leaving the national sports federation in a difficult position.
The AIFF had announced a Request for Proposals on October 16 for a 15-year contract to monetise the league's commercial rights, with submissions due by November 7. However, no bids were received, which has left the future of domestic football in India uncertain. The AIFF had previously awarded commercial rights to Football
Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a Reliance Industries subsidiary, for Rs 700 crore in 2010. This agreement ends on December 8.
Commercial Viability and Governance
Justice Rao's report suggests revisiting the financial obligations outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). Specifically, it recommends restructuring or reducing the annual guaranteed payment of Rs 37.5 crore to ensure commercial viability while protecting AIFF's financial interests. This change aims to address concerns about disproportionate financial exposure and high operational costs faced by potential bidders.
The report also highlights issues with limited representation in AIFF's governing council and decision-making authority. It suggests revising the council framework to ensure balanced governance and meaningful participation for commercial partners. Prospective bidders have stressed that equal representation is crucial for assuming financial and operational responsibilities.
Concerns Over Rights Management
Bidders have expressed concerns about restrictions on managing and sub-licensing rights, particularly broadcasting and allied rights. These are seen as integral to effective commercial management. The proposed composition of only one representative from the commercial partner out of six was viewed as insufficient for key governance decisions related to the league.
Justice Rao's report further states that preserving AIFF's primacy over essential aspects is important while allowing commercial partners to handle day-to-day administrative, commercial, or logistical management of ISL or any league or competition.
Clubs Seek Intervention
Meanwhile, 12 ISL clubs have filed an application for intervention before the Supreme Court due to the crisis affecting Indian football. They claim this situation has impacted their players, staff, and operations. Despite court orders, the tender process for finding commercial partners has failed, leaving the league and football calendar in limbo and delaying the 2025-26 ISL season.
The clubs involved in this intervention include FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, Northeast United FC, Punjab FC, and Inter Kashi FC. They face challenges in revenue generation and sustaining operations without a clear commercial structure.
The Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) includes AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Kesvaran Murugasu from the Asian Football Confederation as an independent member. Justice Rao chairs this committee. The ongoing uncertainty has led some clubs to suspend football activities indefinitely.
With inputs from PTI
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