Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Executive Committee has decided to refer the three long-term bids for commercial rights of club competitions to audit firm KPMG for “evaluating the feasibility and key aspects”. The decision came a day after the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs urged the governing body against taking a “binding decision” on the 15+5 rights cycle.AIFF received three bids: FanCode and Genius Sports (for ISL and Federation Cup) and Capri Sports (for Indian Women’s League and IWL 2). Genius Sports has placed a bid of Rs 64.39 crore a year (approx. Rs 2129 crore for 20 years) while FanCode has bid Rs 36 crore a year (approx. Rs 1190 crore). Capri Sports is the sole bidder for women’s football at Rs 150 crore over 20 years.
“Three bids received for the relevant commercial rights – by FanCode and Genius Sports (for ISL and Federation Cup), and Capri Sports (for IWL and IWL2) – process were placed before the Executive Committee,” said AIFF in a statement.“After detailed deliberations, it was decided that KPMG will prepare comprehensive comparison tables evaluating the feasibility and key aspects of the bids,” continued the statement.During the bid opening process on March 27, clubs had cited not enough time to go through the Request for Quotations (RFQ) document. The crucial document was shared with the clubs only 12 hours before the bids were opened.The clubs were also not pleased with the 60-30-10 revenue model proposed between clubs, commercial partner and the federation. They had sought a separate presentation from the bidders to evaluate and understand their approaches.During the AIFF Executive Committee meeting, it was clarified that the process would be followed as requested by the clubs.“To ensure greater clarity and transparency in the process, clubs associated with the competitions will also hold meetings with the respective bidders to address any queries they may have,” said AIFF.“Following the preparation of the comparison analysis, the bidders will be requested to submit term sheets within a defined timeline.“The matter will subsequently be placed before the AIFF General Body for consideration in accordance with the provisions of the AIFF Constitution,” read the statement.
