ISL clubs write to AIFF and sports ministry proposing club-led model for league; details here

All clubs of the Indian Super League, except East Bengal FC, have proposed a club-led model for the future editions of the competition. They have also suggested to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they will keep 90% of the economic interest of the league while the federation will hold on to the other 10%. At the same time, Genius Sports, one of the two bidders for the commercial rights of the league, could see a reduced role in the league if the proposal is accepted.

The Times of India on Wednesday reported that these suggestions were mailed to the federation as well as to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Joint Secretary Kunal K. The clubs are scheduled to meet AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey on May 22 and a special general meeting has been called the next day.

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As stated above, the clubs have proposed to keep 90% of the economic interest of the league with the rest set to go to AIFF. The federation will provide oversight, regulatory support and referees for the league which will be controlled by a third entity that will be formulated to run the tournament.

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"AIFF would continue to retain veto and supervisory rights regarding integrity, disciplinary, regulatory, and sporting governance matters, while the clubs would retain veto rights regarding commercial, structural, and operational matters affecting the league," the report quoted the email as stating.

ISL Clubs believe that since they have got the taste of operating the league in the ongoing truncated season, they can do it in the future as well. The mail points out that it will be difficult for foreign entity to run the league while the clubs can do it in a cost effective manner.

"Through the experience gained this season, clubs have identified several areas where meaningful efficiencies and cost optimization can be achieved, particularly in relation to league operations, production management, logistics, administration, and centralized execution," the letter read further.

"It is the considered view of the clubs that such optimization may be considerably more difficult for a foreign commercial entity with no longstanding operational roots in India to effectively achieve."

"The clubs’ internal projections indicate that a club-led structure can substantially reduce operating costs while maintaining the quality and integrity of the competition," it continued.

The clubs have also proposed to foot the Rs 12.4 crore bill that Genius Sports would have submitted every year. As per this proposal, Genius Sports' role will be limited to providing sports data, technology, integrity solutions, fan engagement technologies, and related commercial products.