The All India Football Federation (AIFF) seems optimistic that the clubs that were handed a long-term (20-year) proposal to run the country’s top-tier football league on Friday will finally agree.
The Federation is waiting for the clubs’ consent in the next crucial meeting on 29th December, scheduled at the Football House in New Delhi. The club representatives, however, will reportedly convince the respective club owners before agreeing to the AIFF proposal. They are also expected to confirm the model of the ISL, proposed by the three-man committee.
AIFF, however, is aware that with the resumption of the ISL this year, operated by the clubs themselves, it will not be able to gain financial profit. But it is believed that three multi-national corporate houses have expressed a desire to invest in Indian football in the near future. They are reportedly keen to join the ISL as commercial partners, but from the next season.
It is also believed that once the AIFF gets clubs’ official consent in its 29th December meeting, the Federation has planned to appeal to the Union Sports Ministry to ask the respective state governments to come forward with their support for the ISL clubs who will be hosting their home matches, after choosing the proposed model.
