FSDL's departure leaves Indian football facing an uncertain future

Indian football is currently facing a severe battle for survival, a reality that has hit hard with the recent failure to attract any commercial partners for the national league. This dire situation signals a deepening Indian football crisis that could have long-lasting effects on the sport across the country, impacting everyone from local players to dedicated Odisha football fans.

For years, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) has been at the center of debates, often criticised by vocal sections on social media who claimed they weren't doing enough. However, the numbers tell a different story. Despite losing a staggering Rs 5,000 crore over the last 15 years, FSDL remained committed to the football growth story. They stepped in when previous partners like Zee abandoned the sport, ensuring stability for the All India Football Federation (AIFF), players, referees, and coaches. They brought high-quality broadcast production and marketed the game nationally, not just in select pockets.

The current crisis stems from a push to stop this partnership, driven by unrealistic projections that the AIFF tender was a "gold mine" being exploited. The harsh reality, now exposed by the lack of any new bidders, is that Indian football is currently a loss-making proposition. The tender in its current form is unappealing and one-sided, leaving the upcoming ISL future in serious doubt; the season might not even start this December.

The way forward requires a stringent reality check. Just as the Supreme Court allowed modifications in cricket reforms, the AIFF needs to pragmatically reassess the situation. Pushing away established partners who were willing to absorb losses has backfired. For the sake of the sport, the AIFF must communicate effectively with stakeholders and perhaps find a way to re-engage FSDL, as they may be the only viable solution left to prevent a complete collapse of the commercial ecosystem.