New Delhi: A Supreme Court-appointed committee has called for a comprehensive revamp of the All India Football Federation’s commercial strategy for the Indian Super League after its latest tender process failed to attract a single bidder. The panel, led by Justice (Retd.) L Nageswara Rao, examined why the AIFF’s offer for a long-term commercial rights partnership received no interest and concluded that the existing framework places excessive financial and structural burdens on potential partners.
In its findings, the committee highlighted several major concerns, beginning with the minimum guaranteed payment structure that many prospective bidders viewed as unviable. The report recommended reducing or restructuring this requirement to create a more realistic financial model while ensuring that the federation continues to receive stable revenue.
Another key issue was the limited representation for commercial partners in the league’s governing council. Under the current terms, bidders would receive only one seat on a six-member panel, with the AIFF retaining a dominant role. The committee noted that such an arrangement offers little incentive for partners expected to shoulder significant financial and operational risks. It also pointed out that the proposed veto power granted to the AIFF’s senior representative further deterred interest.
Restrictions on the management and sub-licensing of broadcasting and related rights added to bidders’ hesitations. These rights form the backbone of any modern sports league’s revenue ecosystem, and the report stated that potential partners were unwilling to proceed without greater control over how these assets could be monetised.
The AIFF had issued its request for proposals on October 16 for a 15-year commercial rights agreement, ahead of the expiry of its long-standing deal with Football Sports Development Limited on December 8. With the existing arrangement nearing its end, the ongoing uncertainty has already affected several clubs, some of which have paused football operations due to financial instability.
The committee concluded that while the AIFF must maintain authority over regulatory and governance matters, daily commercial and logistical responsibilities should be entrusted to the chosen partner to ensure the league’s long-term sustainability.
