The AIFF Executive Committee has referred three bids for long-term commercial rights to club competitions to KPMG for audit. The decision follows a request by ISL clubs to avoid a binding decision on the 15+5 rights cycle. The clubs will also meet with the bidders to address queries and ensure transparency before the AIFF’s main body considers the matter. New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee has decided to refer three long-term bids for the commercial rights of club competitions to audit firm KPMG to “assess the feasibility and key aspects”. The decision came a day after 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 submitted an offer of Rs 64.39 crore per annum (approx Rs 2129 crore for 20 years) while FanCode offered Rs 36 crore per annum (approx Rs 1190 crore). Capri Sports is the only bidder for women’s football for Rs 150 crore over 20 years.
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ISL commercial rights: AIFF gets two different offers “The three bids received for the respective commercial rights – from FanCode and Genius Sports (for ISL and Federation Cup) and Capri Sports (for IWL and IWL2) – have been submitted to the Executive Committee,” the AIFF said in a statement.“After careful consideration, it was decided that KPMG would prepare comprehensive benchmarks assessing the feasibility and key aspects of the bids,” the statement continued.During the bid opening process on March 27, the clubs said there was not enough time to go through the Request for Quotations (RFQ) document. The key document was shared with clubs just 12 hours before bids opened.The clubs were also unhappy with the 60-30-10 revenue model proposed between the clubs, the commercial partner and the federation. They sought a separate presentation from the applicants to evaluate and understand their approaches.During the AIFF Executive Committee meeting, it was clarified that the process will be followed as per the demands of the clubs.“To ensure greater clarity and transparency in the process, the clubs associated with the competitions will also hold meetings with the respective bidders to address any queries,” the AIFF said.“After processing the comparative analysis, applicants will be invited to submit term sheets within the specified period.“The matter will then be referred to the AIFF General Body for consideration in accordance with the provisions of the AIFF Constitution,” the statement said.
