AIFF appoints KPMG to manage tender process to monetize commercial rights

AIFF is in pursuit of a new commercial partner with the existing MRA set to expire in December.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) released a statement earlier today announcing the successful bidder to manage the process to award the right to monetise commercial rights, which also includes the rights of the Indian Super League, the country’s top division football league.

The federation started the process to find an agency to manage the tender process on September 8, 2025, when they released a Request for Quote (RFQ). The process concluded on September 15, 2025, with the announcement of Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) as the successful bidder.

Also Read: ISL clubs urge AIFF to find ‘financially sound’ commercial partner

KPMG to manage tender process

AIFF took the initiative to start the process of finding a commercial partner after the Supreme Court’s interim order on September 4, 2025, directed the federation to do so. The existing Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the current commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and AIFF, which was signed in 2010, is set to expire on December 8, 2025.

The deadlock between the commercial partner and the federation over the renewal of the MRA led to the indefinite suspension of the Indian Super League. The parties affected by this development approached the Supreme Court to draw its attention to this chaos, which was having a detrimental effect on clubs, players, and all those who are part of the ecosystem.

After a joint proposal by the FSDL and AIFF was submitted to the Supreme Court, which led to FSDL giving up its contractual ‘Right of First Negotiation’ and ‘Right to Match’, the process to find a commercial partner commenced.

To finalize a commercial partner, a fresh tender process was proposed by the federation, which will now be managed by KPMG. The British firm is one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms with vast experience in managing such mega commercial processes.

Also Read: Super Cup to be held from October 25 to November 22 in a ‘phased manner’

ISL to start in December

In the joint proposal submitted by the AIFF and FSDL, the timelines to bring Indian Football back on track have been mentioned. The deadline to begin the new Indian Super League is December 2025, which requires the timely conclusion of the tender process to find a commercial partner.

AIFF will finalize the tender process with the announcement of the commercial partner on October 15, 2025. The commercial partner will have to ensure that the new Indian Super League season kicks off by December this year. Now, with FSDL waiving its exclusive rights, there is a possibility of another party emerging as the favourite to acquire the commercial rights.

The football season will start with the Super Cup, scheduled to begin on October 25, 2025. The federation has invited 13 Indian Super League clubs and 3 I League clubs to participate in India’s premier cup competition, which will act as the curtain raiser for the next season. Earlier, the clubs were skeptical about participating in the competition, but now, with a clear roadmap taking shape, the majority of them are on board.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.