Indian football in doldrums

ISL’s future is uncertain after AIFF tender finds no takers

- Haridev Pushparaj / Srihari Menon

Indian football is perhaps at its darkest phase right now with the country's premier football competition, the Indian Super League (ISL) in doldrums after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) received no bids by the November 7 deadline for the tender issued to find a commercial partner to run the league.

Some of India's most storied football clubs including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Kerala Blasters have halted their operations with uncertainty looming large about the future.

The AIFF had a 15-year contract with the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to run the Indian Super League. The contract expires on December 8 and therefore the need for a new commercial partner which has led to the entire AIFF-FSDL saga that has now impacted Indian football.

That has proved difficult, with no parties putting forward a bid despite discussions. The AIFF had initiated the tender process on October 16, following the Supreme Court's approval of a new constitution in September. The federation sought a commercial partner for the next 15 years to manage the ISL's broadcasting, sponsorship, digital, and merchandising rights.