The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed KPMG India Services LLP to oversee the tender process for selecting a new commercial rights partner, a move that includes seeking input from Indian Super League (ISL) clubs. This decision follows a Request for Quotation (RFQ) process where KPMG emerged as the successful bidder. The AIFF's decision to involve KPMG and consult with ISL clubs aims to ensure a transparent and effective process for awarding commercial rights, which include those of the ISL.
The selection of KPMG comes after a Supreme Court directive on September 4, 2025, which instructed the AIFF to initiate this process. This directive was a result of a deadlock between the AIFF and its current commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), regarding the renewal of their Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which is set to expire on December 8, 2025. The Supreme Court's intervention sought to resolve the dispute and ensure the ISL's future. The court mandated that the tender process be completed by October 15, 2025, providing clarity to all stakeholders.
In response to the AIFF's invitation for RFQs, KPMG was the only accounting and audit firm to submit a bid. To be eligible, bidding firms needed a minimum annual turnover of INR 100 crore over the past five years and prior experience in at least five similar deals. The final decision to appoint KPMG was made by a three-member Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC), which included a former Supreme Court judge, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, and an independent member.
The AIFF has acknowledged requests from ISL clubs to have their feedback considered during the preparation of bid documents. The federation has reached out to the CEOs of all 13 ISL clubs, offering one-on-one meetings, either in person or virtually, to gather their insights. These inputs are considered valuable in shaping the bid process, given the clubs' significant investments in Indian football over the past decade. KPMG is expected to begin these meetings with club representatives shortly and will also meet separately with FSDL to understand their experiences and contributions over the last 15 years.
The AIFF's move to consult with ISL clubs reflects a commitment to incorporating the perspectives of key stakeholders in the decision-making process. By engaging with the clubs, the AIFF aims to create a more comprehensive and effective tender process that considers the long-term interests of Indian football. The goal is to plan strategically for the next 15 years of Indian football, ensuring sustainable growth and development. The AIFF will finalize the tender process with the announcement of the commercial partner on October 15, 2025. The commercial partner will have to ensure that the new Indian Super League season kicks off by December this year. The football season will start with the Super Cup, scheduled to begin on October 25, 2025.
