As ISL clubs voice concerns, AIFF finally releases tender for top league

Panaji: After much delay, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) inviting bids for awarding its commercial rights for a period of 15 years.AIFF’s agreement with its current commercial partners ends on Dec 9.In its bid document, AIFF said the agreement would be for 15 years (2025–2040) to monetise the Indian Super League’s commercial rights, which includes broadcasting, sponsorship, marketing, and merchandising.Only companies with a networth of minimum Rs 250 crore can bid for an annual minimum guarantee to the AIFF of Rs 37.5 crore.Interestingly, the tender was released on the same day when ten ISL clubs told AIFF they are deeply disappointed and concerned, after it failed to live up to its assurance before the Supreme Court of concluding the process to appoint a new commercial partner for the league before the court-mandated deadline day.The AIFF and its marketing partners had made a joint submission on August 28 before the Supreme Court to “conduct an open, competitive and transparent tender”, and conclude the process by Oct 15.“As of today, there has been no tender document released, no communication on the next steps, and no transparency on where the process currently stands,” the ISL clubs wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and executive committee members on Thursday.

“The lack of communication has been deeply disappointing, and the silence surrounding this matter has caused further erosion of confidence among clubs and other stakeholders.

”The delay in releasing the tender angered the clubs who reminded the AIFF that they agreed to participate in the Super Cup in “good faith” and took decisions trusting that the AIFF would act in accordance with its submission to the Supreme Court and bring clarity to the league’s immediate future.“Clubs have continued to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate and support Indian football’s larger ecosystem, but this goodwill cannot continue to be taken for granted.“The uncertainty has made financial planning, sponsorship discussions, and player commitments nearly impossible to sustain. Moreover, the current situation represents a breach of trust, one that risks undoing the collective progress made in professionalising Indian football over the past decade.