Centre Vows to Ensure ISL Continues Amid Bidding Hurdles

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The Indian government has pledged to intervene in the Indian Super League (ISL) bidding process after the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the tournament's future. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the Ministry of Sports is working to resolve the issues hindering the AIFF's ability to receive bids for the ISL. According to the court, any solution must adhere to FIFA's regulations. A two-week waiting period has been set for a resolution, with the court willing to reconvene if a solution is found before then. The government's stance was supported by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who emphasized the importance of the ISL in Indian football. The tournament provides a crucial platform for young Indian players to compete against experienced professionals, enhancing their technical skills. A report by former Supreme Court judge L Nageswara Rao identified concerns raised by potential bidders, including the guaranteed annual financial payment, decision-making process, and representation in the Governing Council. The report recommended delegating regulatory power to the AIFF while giving commercial and operational control to the commercial partner. Advocate Rahul Mehra argued that the AIFF can handle these issues independently, but his views were not widely accepted by the court. The AIFF has scheduled a meeting to adopt modified provisions of its constitution, which was approved by the Supreme Court in September. The government's promise to ensure the ISL continues has been welcomed by the football community, with many hoping for a smooth resolution to the bidding process.