The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed KPMG India Services LLP to manage the process of monetizing its commercial rights. This decision, revealed on September 15, 2025, marks a significant step towards a more transparent and financially robust future for Indian football.
The selection of KPMG, one of the "Big Four" accounting firms, followed a Request for Quote (RFQ) process that began on September 8, 2025. The RFQ invited bids from consulting firms to manage the awarding of the rights to monetize the Federation's Commercial Rights for a Limited Term. The AIFF's move to find a commercial partner was prompted by the Supreme Court's interim order on September 4, 2025, directing the federation to do so.
A Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) oversaw the selection process. The committee included Hon'ble Justice L. Nageswara Rao (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) as Chairman, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, and Kesvaran Murugasu as an Independent Member.
The appointment of KPMG comes at a crucial time, as the existing Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and its current commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), is set to expire on December 8, 2025. The deadlock between the AIFF and FSDL over the renewal of the MRA had led to the indefinite suspension of the Indian Super League (ISL). Following a Supreme Court intervention, FSDL agreed to waive its contractual 'Right of First Negotiation' and 'Right to Match'.
The AIFF's requirements for bidding firms included a minimum annual turnover of Rs 100 crore in the last five years and prior experience executing at least five similar deals. The selected bidder needed to have been in operation for at least five years and have experience managing processes for awarding commercial rights for governments, sports federations, and/or leagues in India.
ISL clubs have expressed their desire for a "financially sound" commercial partner capable of sustained investment in Indian football. The clubs conveyed their demands to the federation ahead of the commencement of the tender process, welcoming the AIFF's initiative to find a commercial partner following the Supreme Court's order.
The tender to monetize commercial rights, including technical and financial bids, will be issued on September 15, 2025, and the new commercial partner is expected to be announced by October 15, 2025. The AIFF also plans to issue a commercial rights' tender for the I-League and other national tournaments for this season. This tender will be launched after the ISL tender process is underway.
The AIFF's decision to engage KPMG reflects a commitment to transparency, fairness, and global best practices in selecting a commercial partner. It aims to secure a financially stable partner who can contribute to the long-term growth and development of Indian football. The Super Cup is scheduled to start from October 25 to November 22.
