ISL: 'We are studying it and need further details' - AIFF on club-led model proposal

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has said that it is studying the organisational and commercialisation proposal shared by 13 of the 14 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs. All clubs, except East Bengal, floated the proposal on Wednesday which would keep commercialisation responsibilities with the clubs and not hand them out to a third party.

"We are studying it and need further details from the clubs and will move forward as per the SC [Supreme Court], AIFF Constitution, RFP [Request for Proposal], our EC [Executive Committee] and General Body instructions.



"The AIFF will work with the clubs and commercial partner to ensure the ISL grows into a strong global league," said AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan to TimesofIndia.com.

On Wednesday, in an email sent by Bengaluru FC Director of Football Darren Caldeira, addressed to the AIFF and Sports Ministry, the clubs had proposed a sharing of responsibilities between the national body, the 14 clubs while UK-based Genius Sports comes in as the data and technology partner.

Earlier, Genius Sports had made a bid of Rs 64 crore ($7 million) per year, which amounts to Rs 2129 crore over 20 years following annual increments. That proposal is due to be discussed for approval at AIFF's SGM on May 23.

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However, before that, on May 22, the ISL club owners are scheduled to meet the AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, where the clubs' proposal is expected to be discussed.

Under the proposal, clubs suggested that AIFF will hold 10% ownership in an entity that will run the ISL with the clubs holding the remaining 90%. The clubs also agreed to pay Rs 12.8 crore to the AIFF as per Genius Sports' economic model.

In terms of governance, the clubs proposed that the league will be monitored by them and the AIFF, without presence of a commercial partner. Clubs would retain veto rights for commercial, structural, and operational matters and AIFF on matters pertaining to integrity, disciplinary, regulatory, and sporting governance.

The clubs acknowledged Genius Sports' expertise in commercialisation of data and technology matters and are keen on bringing that in for the future. But, the clubs insist that with their framework reduced, a $7 million payment would need to be lower.

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