The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has created a three‑member Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao to oversee the tender for a new commercial partner. The decision, stemming from a Supreme Court directive on September 1, 2025, ends weeks of uncertainty after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) put the 2025‑26 Indian Super League (ISL) season on hold.
Alongside Justice Rao, the BEC includes Kesavaran Murugasu of the AFC’s Audit & Compliance Committee and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. The committee will ensure an open, competitive tender process concluding by October 15, 2025, paving the way for the ISL to restart in December 2025.
[REPORT]AIFF forms committee headed by Justice L
When a storm threatens Indian football, you need a skilled pilot at the helm. After weeks of turbulence caused by FSDL’s decision to put the ISL 2025‑26 season on hold due to an expiring Master Rights Agreement (MRA), the Supreme Court stepped in like a referee blowing the final whistle on chaos.
On September 1, 2025, the court directed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to issue tenders for a new commercial partner and appointed Justice L Nageswara Rao to oversee the process. Moreover, in response, the AIFF’s executive committee met virtually and formed a three‑member Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC)—its guiding star for the voyage ahead.
The AIFF has already issued the Request For Quotation (RFQ) for selection of an agency for managing the process related to awarding the rights to monetise commercial rights of AIFF for a limited term. The technical and financial bids will be opened on Sept 15.#IndianFootball
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) September 7, 2025
Breaking Down the BEC: Who steers the ship?
- Justice L Nageswara Rao – the former Supreme Court judge serves as chairman of the BEC. His judicial acumen provides the moral compass for the tender.
- Kesavaran Murugasu – a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Audit & Compliance Committee, lends technical oversight.
- Kalyan Chaubey – the AIFF president, represents the federation and brings administrative authority.
This trio can also co‑opt one or two professionals for expert support. Like midfielders controlling tempo, they will scrutinise bids and ensure fairness from kickoff to final whistle.
Why did the Supreme Court blow the whistle?
The Supreme Court’s intervention is rooted in a broader governance saga. The AIFF is revising its constitution in line with India’s new National Sports Governance Act 2025, while the court monitors compliance.
Moreover, the pending case halted any binding contracts, prompting an impasse between AIFF and FSDL. On July 11, 2025, FSDL paused the ISL season as uncertainty over MRA renewal swelled. The court’s order not only lifted the embargo but demanded open, competitive and transparent tendering.
By appointing Justice L Nageswara Rao, it ensured the process would mirror global best practices.
The tender playbook: RFQ and timelines
The AIFF released a Request for Quotation (RFQ) on September 7, 2025, seeking a professional services firm to manage the tender. This firm will organise the bidding, verify credentials and present recommendations to the BEC. The schedule reads like a fixture list:
Phase | Key date | Summary |
Pre-Bid queries deadline | 9-Sep-25 | Interested agencies submit questions |
Pre-Bid conference | 10-Sep-25 | Clarifies RFQ terms |
Bid submission deadline | 14-Sep-25 | Agencies file their proposals |
Opening of bids | 15-Sep-25 | Technical and financial bids opened |
Commercial partner finalisation | 15-Oct-25 | BEC selects new partner |
Like a cup competition, the process will be quick yet rigorous. The Supreme Court expects completion by October 15, giving the league two months to prepare before the ball starts rolling in December.
What does it take to bid? Eligibility Criteria
The RFQ sets stiff criteria for bidders, ensuring only financially and professionally sound entities enter the fray:
Eligibility criteria | Institutional bidders | Individual consultants |
Registration | Registered in India with valid GST & PAN, operating ≥ 5 years | Indian citizen aged ≥18 with valid PAN & GST (if applicable) |
Financial strength | Average annual turnover ≥ INR 100 crores in last 5 years | Professional receipts ≥ INR 2.5 crores in last 5 years |
Experience | At least five similar assignments for three different clients | Same requirement of five similar assignments |
Reputation | No blacklisting, debarment or pending litigation | Same requirement-no debarment or litigation |
Qualifications | Experience in managing rights tenders | Relevant professional qualifications or licences |
These criteria ensure that the eventual partner can handle the complexities of monetising Indian football in a global marketplace.
[UPDATE] ISL revival: from Super Cup to kickoff
Football fans have longed for clarity like players waiting for a final pass. The joint proposal by AIFF and FSDL promises that the ISL 2025‑26 season will start in December 2025.
To keep clubs match‑fit, the Super Cup—a knockout tournament open to clubs across divisions—will run from October 25 to November 22. This phased competition acts as a pre‑season, ensuring teams remain competitive while the tender unfolds.
Crucially, FSDL has waived its right of first negotiation and right to match. This concession clears the pitch for new entrants and signals FSDL’s willingness to hand over the baton if outbid.
Under the existing MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF ₹50 crore annually, and it has already paid the July–September instalment of ₹12.5 crore. It has even agreed to advance the final payment if required. Such gestures underscore the urgency to resume India’s top division without further hiccups.
Please embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNz5ocA4iie/
Financial backdrop: the 700‑crore deal and its fallout
The roots of this saga stretch back to December 2010 when the AIFF signed a 15‑year, 700‑crore deal with Reliance Industries and IMG to create a new professional league. Likewise, this partnership birthed the Indian Super League, modelled on the IPL and Major League Soccer.
However, as the MRA approaches expiration, questions over revenue sharing, governance and the future direction of Indian football have come to the fore. Similarly, the tender process, by inviting competitors, could yield a higher rights fee and improved standards, much like fresh investment breathes life into a club.
Moreover, the AIFF’s RFQ notes that the new commercial rights arrangement will be multi‑year and aligned with global best practices. With clubs facing financial strain due to the suspension—some even pausing salaries—the open market promises a lifeline.
Indian football at a crossroads: crisis and hope
This drama has unfolded against a backdrop of constitutional reform and regulatory change. Likewise, the National Sports Governance Act 2025 aims to modernise sports bodies, yet its introduction led to uncertainty that almost derailed the domestic season.
Moreover, the Supreme Court’s firm hand prevented a shipwreck by demanding transparency and appointing an independent overseer. Meanwhile, FIFA and the AFC warned that delays in adopting a new AIFF constitution could trigger international sanctions.
In addition, clubs, players and fans felt like fans in a stadium when floodlights flicker—full of anticipation yet anxious about the next move. Now, with the tender timeline fixed and a December start in view, optimism returns to the stands.
Why Does This Matter? Answering Burning Questions
- Who is heading AIFF’s commercial partner selection committee?
Former Supreme Court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao chairs the three‑member Bid Evaluation Committee. - What is Justice L Nageswara Rao’s role?
He will oversee the tender process, ensure transparency and may appoint professionals for assistance. - When will the AIFF select a new commercial partner?
The tender process is slated to conclude by October 15, 2025, with the ISL season returning in December 2025. - How will the ISL restart after the crisis?
A professional firm will manage the tender, clubs will compete in the Super Cup from October 25, and the league will kick off in December after AFC approval. - What are the eligibility criteria for bidders?
Institutional bidders need at least ₹100 crore turnover and five years of operations, while individuals must show ₹2.5 crore receipts and relevant qualifications.
Amit Mishra’s thoughts
As a writer covering this saga, I can’t help but see the parallels between this tender and a pulsating football match. Likewise, the AIFF and FSDL looked like rivals jostling for possession until the Supreme Court played referee and demanded a fair contest.
Justice L Nageswara Rao now acts as the midfield maestro, ensuring every pass in this bidding game reaches its intended target. The strict eligibility rules are like training drills, demanding, but essential for top performance.
