JUSTICE (Retd.) L. Nageswara Rao has recommended a measured approach to balancing the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) authority with the commercial interests of potential bidders, following the unsuccessful tender to monetise the Indian Super League (ISL). The proposals were submitted to the Supreme Court as part of the report prepared by the apex court-appointed committee chaired by Justice Rao.
The committee’s report follows the AIFF’s failed attempt to attract bids for the ISL’s commercial rights, an outcome that has left the federation in a difficult position ahead of the 2025–26 season.
“The recommendations that follow seek to strike a balanced approach by preserving the AIFF’s regulatory role while making the commercial framework more viable, and attractive to prospective bidders, thereby facilitating renewed interest and enabling the timely conduct of the ISL,” Justice Rao noted in his report, per PTI. Rao is also the chairman of the Bid Evaluation Committee.
Key sticking points that deterred bidders included limited representation in the AIFF’s governing council, the minimum guaranteed payment of Rs 37.5 crore per year, constraints surrounding decision-making authority, and restrictions on the management and sub-licensing of rights.
Addressing the concerns around governance, Justice Rao recommended revising the AIFF governing council structure to ensure “a more balanced and functional” decision-making mechanism for any incoming commercial partner.
The prolonged uncertainty around the ISL’s future has already forced several clubs to halt football operations indefinitely.
In a separate development, 12 ISL clubs have filed an intervention application before the Supreme Court, stating that the ongoing crisis in Indian football has directly affected the livelihoods of players, staff, and all personnel involved in running the clubs. Professional players have also begun voicing their concerns on social media.
The clubs that have approached the court include FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohammedan SC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Punjab FC, and Inter Kashi FC.
