NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday told its general body members that the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) will begin on September 4. During the virtually attended Special General Meeting (SGM), no decision was taken on the proposed club-led model for the ISL.On Friday, the AIFF wrote to commercial rights bidder Genius Sports, informing it of the delay in the final decision. The national body also clarified that Indian football is set to take a different route in its financial structure. Under this new arrangement, the AIFF and the ISL clubs reached a consensus last week after meeting Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The model, slated to run for four years, proposes the creation of a separate entity to run the league, with the clubs at the helm. The AIFF, meanwhile, will be responsible for logistics and operations and will receive Rs 16 crore per year under the arrangement.With the AIFF awaiting a response from Genius Sports, the proposal is yet to be ratified by the general body. It is expected to be discussed next week by the ISL Managing Committee, which comprises club representatives and three AIFF officials.
AIFF considers name change
In an interesting move, the AIFF is also considering changing its name to Football Federation of Bharat (FFB).TimesofIndia.com understands that the idea was floated during the SGM. However, it is not an easy process, as it requires approval from the Executive Committee before being sent to the Sports Ministry.After not getting the necessary time for deliberations in the previous SGM held in Kolkata in May, the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) was adopted on Saturday. Subsequently, a few amendments could be made to the AIFF Constitution by June 30.Under the NSGA, the sports federations — such as the AIFF — have until June 30 to officially adopt and implement the new constitutional amendments and governance guidelines mandated by the Sports Ministry.During the SGM, the football calendar was also discussed, with the ISL scheduled to begin on September 4 and the Durand Cup at the end of July.
