After weeks of hypothesis, the All India Soccer Federation (AIFF) has lastly acted, releasing the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Indian Tremendous League’s (ISL) industrial rights. The 15-year deal will outline Indian soccer’s top-tier future, protecting sponsorship, broadcast, and digital monetization.
The timing has raised eyebrows. The transfer got here barely a day after ten ISL golf equipment collectively wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, demanding readability and accusing the federation of “lack of transparency” over the delayed tender course of. The letter appears to have jolted the AIFF into long-awaited motion.
The delay had already created widespread confusion. The Supreme Courtroom had directed completion of the tender by October 15, however that deadline handed with out updates. With the league’s future unclear, even the nationwide staff calendar and growth packages had been affected.
Golf equipment, getting ready for the Tremendous Cup in Goa (October 25–November 22), had proceeded in good religion, finalizing participant contracts, arranging venues, and hiring workers. However the lack of readability on the league’s industrial roadmap, income sharing, and sponsorship rights dented confidence and planning.
Inside the brand new tender
The AIFF’s tender outlines a 15-year partnership to handle the ISL and different top-tier properties. The profitable bidder pays Rs 37.5 crore per yr or 5% of gross income, whichever is increased. KPMG India will oversee the method. Bidders should have a minimal web value of Rs 250 crore, with consortiums assembly the identical threshold. Bids open on November 5, whereas queries could be submitted till October 21.
The doc additionally introduces key reforms like promotion and relegation from the 2025–26 season, a wage cap of Rs 18 crore per membership, and necessary grassroots funding of two.5% of gross income for 5 years, rising to five% thereafter. A joint governing council of AIFF and the profitable bidder will make structural and growth choices. Groups going through relegation will get monetary help primarily based on their tenure within the prime flight.
What the brand new tender contains
Here is a fast take a look at the tender’s key options:
- Period and Scope: 15-year partnership protecting sponsorship, broadcast, digital, and merchandising rights.
- Minimal Assure: Rs 37.5 crore per yr or 5% of gross income.
- Eligibility: Bidders want a web value of at the least Rs 250 crore.
- timeline: Queries by October 21, bids open November 5.
- Overview: Managed by KPMG India.
- Promotion and Relegation: From the 2025–26 season.
- Wage Cap: Rs 18 crore per staff.
- Grassroots Funding: 2.5% initially, growing to five% after 5 years.
Transfer follows ISL golf equipment’ letter to AIFF
Whereas the tender brings some aid, its timing makes the motivation clear. The golf equipment’ letter, signed by Mumbai Metropolis FC, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC, and others, accused the AIFF of breaking belief and delaying commitments made to the Supreme Courtroom. Inside 24 hours, the federation introduced the tender.
For golf equipment, this was as a lot about credibility as funds. Many had signed gamers and deliberate campaigns anticipating stability. The extended silence risked damaging Indian soccer’s momentum at a time it wanted course.
Now that the tender is public, the quick disaster is contained. However whether or not this restores confidence or merely buys time will rely on how the method unfolds. Indian soccer has seen fast fixes earlier than, and might unwell afford one other.
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