AIFF's proposed ISL revival plan: Rs 1cr fee, promotion and relegation, Pg21

Key Highlights:

• The AIFF proposed a 20-year plan to ISL clubs on Friday, suggesting it own and operate the top-division league.
• The proposed league would follow a June to May cycle, with the AIFF sharing half of the central revenue equally among participating teams.
• The AIFF's proposal includes a Rs 70 crore operational budget for the first season of the renewed ISL.
• Each club would pay a Rs 1 crore annual participation fee, which would be reimbursed from the central revenue pool.

Detailed Insights:

• The AIFF's proposal came after rejecting the clubs' blueprint to own the league, aiming to resolve the stalled domestic season.
• The AIFF would retain final financial control, while the league's governance would be managed by a board with limited autonomy.
• The structure preserves promotion and relegation to protect sporting merit within the league system.
• The AIFF would keep 10% of the total revenue share, reduced from the 14% proposed by FSDL in their renewal plan.
• Concerns persist regarding costs, player salary caps, investment security, and the start date of ISL 2025-26, as well as broadcast partnerships.

Key Concepts Involved:

• AIFF (All India Football Federation): The governing body for football in India, responsible for overseeing and developing the sport.
• ISL (Indian Super League): The top-tier professional football league in India, aiming to promote football's growth and popularity.
• Promotion and Relegation: A system where teams move between leagues based on their performance, ensuring competitive balance.