Sudeep Pakrashi:
Will ISL resume in a ‘new model’ this year, where the ISL clubs will be the owners of the League?
The clubs, participating in the country’s top League, are reportedly encouraged to initiate the resumption of the stagnated Indian Super League this year after a Union Sports Ministry intimation that 14 ISL clubs (Inter Kashi is the new entrant in the League this year) will have to bear expenses to run the League.
It is believed, according to the new model, the clubs, after building a consortium to make an agreement with the AIFF, will pay the AIFF-set amount of Rs 37.5 Crores. Then it will the clubs who make profits individually from own initiatives by roping in sponsorships, endorsements and profit-sharing of the broadcasting will be made according to the investments of the clubs.
All the club representatives are scheduled to have a discussion in New Delhi on Wednesday. It is believed that among the 14, three like FC Goa, NorthEast United FC and Inter Kashi have already agreed to the ‘new model’.
According to sources close to an ISL club, “For example, one ISL club is giving approximately Rs 19 crores to FSDL and in return the club is getting Rs 19 Crores. Additionally, the respective club has to invest a huge amount in the functioning of its football team. Now, in the ‘new model’, if the clubs can give the guaranteed amount of Rs 37.5 Crore to the AIFF, then it will be the clubs who will have sharing of profits from broadcasting according to their investments as all the clubs might not invest the same amount. Addiotionally the clubs can make profits from own initiatives.”
He continued, “In this new model, an ISL club has to pay approximately Rs 2.5 Crores to the AIFF, and the respective club can make a profit from its own initiatives, roping in sponsorships. So, this can be an alternative model where ISL clubs can run the League, and the Federation can also be in a safe position.”
It is also believed, the I-League will also resume this year in the middle of January.
