ISL Franchises will have to at least wait for 5 years for financial returns

Nita Ambani ,founder and chairpersom of \Football Sports Development

“The eight franchises in the Indian Super league (ISL) will have to, at least, wait till the fifth year to start getting some returns. The ISL has paid All India Football Federation (AIFF) thirty five crores in the first two years, thirty eight crores in the second and forty one crores now. Almost hundred and fifty crores have been paid in the last three to four years,” stated a top ISL source on condition of anonymity.

“It is just not FC Goa that is not being paid. All are and that is because the AIFF needed the funds to build up infrastructure. We cannot afford having foreign players suffer injuries due to lack of infrastructure. That is detrimental to the sport ,’ explained the source.

“Initially, we did not think of such a huge outlay. But, once we got the ball rolling we had to make sure that there were no slip ups. We had to resurface a stadium and even had to pay up for the lights in Goa. Money was spent practically all over India. I don’t think the clubs are expecting returns at this stage from the ISL,” surmised our source.

“ Football Sports Development Limited ( FSDL) is promoted by IMG, Reliance and Star. Money comes to FSDL and then distributed after taking care of expenditure. ISL is a brand name for FSDL,” explained our source.

 “Pune City FC has just got land for a new stadium. Very ISL team has pledged to spend Rs two crores on grass root football every year. Grass root development has started but we do not expect the teams to be spending that much at this stage now. Expenditure will materialise when we all start talking in terms of profits and losses. Everyone is here for the money. This is no secret or CSR initiative. But, like us, the franchises have to wait too.” acknowledged our source.

“Spending and income gross is different amongst teams. Some teams have managed sponsors others have not been so lucky. That does mean that sponsorship doors have been closed. Some other companies will come calling. Like the spectators, sponsors too are watching. It is too early to ride now. Patience is the essence,” retorted our source whilst sounding confident that ISL will ride through to money at some point.