AIFF Unveils ₹96 Crore Plan for 20-Year Indian Football Revamp
Image Source: Internet
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed a 20-year plan to revamp Indian football, featuring a ₹96 crore per season league with significant reforms. The plan, presented to Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, includes a reimbursable fee of ₹1 crore, a 60% ownership stake for clubs, and parachute payments for relegated teams. The proposed league, which would be owned and operated by AIFF, would introduce a conference model in two venues or a single-leg all-play-all format. The 14-team league would have an annual operational budget of ₹70 crore, with AIFF's share set at ₹7 crore, clubs' share at ₹35 crore, and commercial partners' share at ₹28 crore. "This is a strong foundation to take the discussion forward," said Mandhar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United, one of the eight clubs that started the ISL in 2014. The AIFF has shared two proposals for the 2025-26 season, with a possible start date in the first week of February. The 20-year plan would give the commercial partner 30% ownership, with AIFF holding 10% and clubs owning 50%. The eight clubs that started the ISL would receive an additional 1% ownership. Parachute payments would be provided for two years to help relegated teams. The proposal would see AIFF assured of a minimum ₹26 crore annually from the top league, with all revenue shared according to ownership stake. The total worth of the league would be ₹96 crore per season, making it a significant step towards revamping Indian football.
