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What happened
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has faced a setback as it failed to attract any bidders for the commercial rights of the Indian Super League (ISL) during a recent tender process. The deadline for submissions passed without any interest, raising concerns about the league's financial viability. Industry insiders noted that the AIFF's tender terms were overly restrictive, requiring bidders to assume financial risks while the federation retained control. This model has deterred potential investors, especially given the league's significant cumulative losses, which have surpassed Rs 5,000 crore over the past 15 years. Experts suggest that the AIFF needs to adopt a more sustainable governance structure, similar to successful global leagues, to ensure the ISL's future.
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Key insights
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1
No Bids Received: The AIFF's tender for ISL commercial rights attracted no bidders.
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2
Significant Financial Losses: The ISL has incurred over Rs 5,000 crore in losses in 15 years.
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3
Governance Model Issues: Current governance structure deters serious investment interest.
Takeaways
The AIFF's inability to secure bidders for the ISL's commercial rights underscores the urgent need for a revised governance model to attract investment and ensure the league's sustainability.