Overview
- The committee led by Justice (Retd.) L Nageswara Rao found that a steep minimum guarantee, limited partner representation, proposed veto powers, and tight rights restrictions deterred bidders.
- It advised restructuring or reducing the annual guaranteed payment, rebalancing the six-member governing council to provide equal representation to the commercial partner, and removing veto provisions that slow decisions.
- The report urged granting the partner authority to manage and sub-licence broadcasting and allied rights and to handle day-to-day commercial operations, with AIFF retaining regulatory control over essential aspects.
- The Bid Evaluation Committee comprises Justice Rao as chair, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, and AFC representative Kesvaran Murugasu, underscoring judicial and confederation oversight.
- With the 15-year FSDL agreement ending on December 8 after an October 16 RFP drew no bids by November 7, the panel flagged urgent risks as some clubs suspend activities and pressed for a viable framework to restart the ISL.