The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that it is examining a proposal from 13 of the 14 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs regarding organisational and commercialisation responsibilities. The proposal, submitted on Wednesday, suggests that commercialisation duties should remain with the clubs rather than being outsourced to a third party. Only East Bengal did not participate in the proposal.
AIFF's Response to the Proposal
AIFF General Secretary M Satyanarayan stated, "We are studying it and need further details from the clubs and will move forward as per the Supreme Court, AIFF Constitution, RFP, our Executive Committee and General Body instructions." He added, "The AIFF will work with the clubs and commercial partner to ensure the ISL grows into a strong global league."
Details of the Clubs' Proposal
The proposal, sent via email by Bengaluru FC Director of Football Darren Caldeira to the AIFF and Sports Ministry, outlines a shared responsibility framework among the national body, the 14 clubs, and UK-based Genius Sports as the data and technology partner. Genius Sports had previously made a bid of Rs 64 crore ($7 million) per year, totaling Rs 2129 crore over 20 years with annual increments. This bid is scheduled for discussion at AIFF's Special General Meeting on May 23.
However, on May 22, ISL club owners are set to meet AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey to discuss the clubs' alternative proposal.
Governance and Financial Structure
Under the clubs' proposal, the AIFF would hold 10% ownership in an entity running the ISL, while the clubs would hold the remaining 90%. The clubs have agreed to pay Rs 12.8 crore to the AIFF, consistent with Genius Sports' economic model. In terms of governance, the league would be monitored jointly by the clubs and the AIFF, without a commercial partner. Clubs would retain veto rights on commercial, structural, and operational matters, while the AIFF would have authority over integrity, disciplinary, regulatory, and sporting governance.
The clubs acknowledge Genius Sports' expertise in data and technology commercialisation but insist that with a reduced framework, the $7 million annual payment should be lowered.
