ISL CEO Martin Bain steps down from his role

The FSDL appointed Martin Bain as ISL CEO in 2019.

The 10th edition of the Indian Super League is just a few days away. The Indian top flight competition will kick off on 21 September at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi with Kerala Blasters playing hosts to arch-rivals Bengaluru FC.

And amidst everything, the ISL’s CEO Martin Bain has stepped down from his position after four years at the helm. The British national stepped down citing personal reasons, according to a report published in The Times Of India.

“Martin Bain, CEO-FSDL, has decided to step down for personal reasons. The company expresses its appreciation for his contribution during his association with us. We wish Martin all the very best,” an FSDL spokesperson informed TOI.

Martin’s last day at the office will be until the end of the month and the FSDL has no plans to appoint an interim CEO. 

Prior Experience

The British think tank has been associated with some prominent football clubs and leagues across the globe. Martin has been the Director of Football for Scottish first division side Rangers FC before becoming director of the Scottish Premier League.

Bain was appointed as the chief executive of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv where he helped them win the domestic treble and also helped them in qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. 

Martin Bain also played the role of the director of the Israeli Premier League and helped them negotiate their biggest ever broadcast deal. And after a brief stint with Sunderland, Martin joined the Football Sports Development Limited as its CEO in 2019.

Ever since his arrival in India, the ISL has grown leaps and bounds under Martin’s supervision. Be it the inclusion of new clubs or the historic change in the foreign player rule, Martin has helped the league grow in every possible aspect.

After leading the league for four glorious years, Martin steps down ahead of the 10th edition of the Indian Super League.