New Delhi: gave Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have appealed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its general body members not to decide on a long-term commercial rights model when it convenes a special general meeting (SGM) in Kolkata today.In a late-night email to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and deputy general secretary M Satyanarayan, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskar — and the rest of the ISL clubs — reiterated their concerns about the proposed trade structure while “asking for mutual cooperation.”On Friday, ISL clubs held two virtual meetings with senior AIFF officials. No solution found. Both parties are fighting over it. Commercial Rights Associate.The AIFF is in favor of UK-based Genius Sports — who bid for the commercial rights — for a period of 15-20 years. Teams have, however Proposed a model of club leadership. The scope of Genius Sports is limited to data and technology partners.In a 13-point email, Piskor and the clubs requested that “no binding decision be taken at tomorrow’s special general meeting. [May 23]. The clubs are ready and available to work with the AIFF and Genius Sports to arrive at a collaborative and financially sustainable framework that protects the interests of all stakeholders and, most importantly, secures the future of Indian football.”The clubs reiterated that they have not provided detailed financial projections, revenue projections or long-term modeling on the Genius Sports-led model. The UK-based company has bid Rs 64.4 crore per annum for the ISL and Federation Cup rights with a 5% increase.
File photo of East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan in ISL. (ANI)
He argued that while the AIFF and Genius Sports appear to be financially secure under the structure, the clubs — which bear the operational costs of running professional football through player salaries, staff, infrastructure and grassroots investments — have no guarantee of revenue visibility or financial security.It is important to mention that several Clubs have acknowledged the real possibility of closure. If the economic situation does not improve. after that, The players are also in a challenging position with an unclear future..ISL teams have asked the AIFF to include Indian football in a 15+5-year external trade arrangement before piloting a club-led model.The onus now rests with the AIFF General Body to discuss the commercial rights proposals for the ISL and IWL. The agenda can only be “discussed and deliberated” due to constitutional challenges and legal hurdles. However, approval to appoint Genius Sports as a commercial partner cannot be ruled out entirely.
