Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: The complications surrounding the ISL have largely been resolved. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has approved the proposal put forward by the alliance of clubs to manage the ISL. He has directed the Federation to promptly hold a meeting with the clubs and form a task force. This task force will formulate the commercial and financial framework for the ISL in the subsequent meeting. Former Federation President Praful Patel played a pivotal role in these proceedings, taking the initiative to find a solution through dialogue among the various stakeholders. He even took on the responsibility of finding a broadcaster. The clubs requested a reduction in the costs associated with hosting matches at stadiums; an assurance was given that this matter would be considered.
The clubs have no grievances regarding Genius Sports. However, they did not agree to the idea of having no say in the organization of the league. Furthermore, they opposed the Federation entering into a long-term contract spanning 20 years, arguing that it would jeopardize the future of football in the country. Consequently, they proposed an alternative model, which received the Sports Minister's approval. According to news agency reports, Mandaviya instructed the Federation and the clubs to form a task force to finalize plans for organizing the league over the next two years. He directed them to present a commercial model before him soon. Mandaviya emphasized that many livelihoods depend on the ISL, so there can be no room for procrastination or indecision. During the meeting, all parties focused on resolving the issues rather than trading blame. Representatives from 14 clubs met with Mandaviya in Delhi on Monday; several Federation officials, including President Kalyan Chaubey, were also present. It was there that the clubs proposed taking charge of the league's organization. Mandaviya welcomed the proposal and instructed the clubs to proceed according to their plan, requesting them to prepare a financial framework for the next four years.
A source revealed that the clubs had proposed a four-year plan. It was decided that each club would pay ₹1.1 crore annually to the Federation, resulting in the Federation receiving a total of ₹15.4 crore per year. Genius Sports—the entity the Federation had initially considered to organize the ISL—proposed an annual payment of ₹12.4 crore, whereas the alliance of clubs has offered ₹3 crore more than that. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has backed the proposal for the clubs' alliance to run the ISL and directed the Federation to form a task force.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has approved the proposal submitted by the alliance of clubs to manage the league. He has instructed the Federation to promptly hold a meeting with the clubs and establish a task force.