ISL clubs’ proposal: Only Rs 10 crore to the AIFF from next season and demand for total rights of League!
Indian Super League clubs, except East Bengal, following a meeting on Friday has proposed to the AIFF and Union Sports Ministry in a joint email where the clubs have sought perpetual rights to “operate, manage, and commercially exploit” the top-tier professional league and at the same time, they have mentioned unwillingness to pay any amount to the AIFF this season. Rather, in their e-mail the clubs have mentioned they will pay an amount to the AIFF, but only Rs 10 crores, and that will start from 2026-27 onwards. The clubs have also pointed out that the Federation can utilize the amount for grassroots and youth development, referee, coach, and technical development, apart from administrative and governance expenses. It has also been proposed that AIFF should give them an official approval for the rights of the League and ownership structure to a “dedicated league company in perpetuity, where the clubs shall collectively hold a “permanent” majority shareholding pattern. “AIFF shall hold one special share, safeguarding sporting integrity, regulatory authority, and statutory compliance; and the Clubs shall have the flexibility to induct a commercial or strategic partner at the league level, provided always that the Clubs, individually and collectively, retain majority ownership and voting control,” it is written in the letter. The clubs want to have the majority of shareholding in the League company even after dilution of stakes to induct a commercial partner, with AIFF having the perpetual right to nominate only one director on its board. Surprisingly, the clubs have not mentioned the promotion and relegation from the ISL in their proposal e-mail. In the proposed framework, AIFF role would only be limited to “regulatory and governance functions”, which would include framing and enforcing competition regulations, disciplinary codes, club licensing requirements, referees and match officials and preparation of the schedule calendar, but would not bear any “commercial risk” or responsibility to operate the league. AIFF received Rs 50 crore of an average for the last 10 years as per its 15-year agreeement with Reliance-subsidiary FSDL that ended on December 8.
Tanzanian defender and Kenyan forward key to debutant Sesa FA’s show in the IWL
Among the eight teams competing in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), Sesa FA is the debutant, the fifth Goan club, and the first after a two-season gap. IWL is starting on 20th December. The team will begin their campaign on Saturday against fellow promoted side Garhwal United at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. The side has roped in two experienced foreigners, Tanzanian defender Diana Antwi and Kenyan forward Omita Bertha, and they are likely to be the key footballers to bolster the team’s performance in the League. Both have represented the IWL sides Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, respectively. Along with them, eight Goan talents are also part of the squad, and the rest of the squad is comprised of players from across the country, many of whom have represented national teams at various age groups. Team’s chief coach, former India international Nicholas Rodrigues, sounded optimistic despite her girls taking part in the League for the first time. Rodrigues disclosed his key purpose is to instill a sense of belief among the girls. The coach believes that if there is steadfast support, then the results will follow. While Sesa will face tough challenges from the experienced IWL campaigners, Rodrigues promises the players who are already excited to have earned qualification for the elite IWL are ready to deliver their best.
59 injured after fans riot at Copa Colombia final
Medellin witnessed massive violence on Wednesday night after frantic fans of the rival teams were engaged in hostility, destroying stadium infrastructure and clashing with each other, including the police officers. Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez said there would be consequences for those who attended Wednesday’s Copa Colombia final to “generate violence” after 59 people were injured, including seven police officers, in clashes between rival fans. Violence broke out after Atlético Nacional defeated Medellín rival Deportivo Independiente Medellín 1-0 in the second leg of the Copa Colombia final at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. William Castano told news channel Teleantioquia that officers had seized weapons, flares, and fireworks from fans during checks at the stadium. “It was necessary to apply the graduated use of force, to help prevent the occupation of the pitch by the fans, to control outbreaks of public order disturbances, and to guarantee the safety of citizens attending the event,” Castano added. Mayor Gutierrez said on social media that the majority of fans at the stadium were there to watch football, but a group of “misfits” was intent on violence. “Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy, or incite fear will be held accountable under the law. We will not allow a few to damage what belongs to everyone,” he wrote. “For years, we’ve been a beacon of peaceful football in our country and throughout Latin America. What a disappointment.”
