AIFF modifies RFP terms, revises bid deadlines and evaluation structure

AIFF extends bid submission timeline and clarifies corrigendum process.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued Corrigendum 4 to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for awarding the rights to monetise the commercial assets of the Indian Super League (ISL). This update introduces several key modifications in the tender process, timelines, and financial requirements, ensuring clarity and alignment with bidder queries raised during the pre-bid conference.

The online pre-bid conference saw participation from Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), FanCode (owned by Dream Sports), Conscient Heritage Group, and a foreign consortium. Although one party was disqualified due to a conflict of interest, the global consultancy KPMG, which is managing the process, expects more bidders before the final submission deadline.

These amendments, released under the supervision of Justice L. Nageswara Rao, refine critical sections of both Volume I (Instructions to Bidders) and Volume II (Draft Contract). The changes are designed to bring transparency and flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing bidding process for the ISL’s commercial rights.

AIFF Extends Bid Timeline and Updates Submission Terms

New deadlines and submission flexibility

AIFF has extended the deadline for bid submissions to November 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM IST, with technical bids scheduled for opening on the same day. This extension allows additional time for entities such as Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), FanCode, and other interested bidders to refine their proposals.

All documents must now be submitted electronically as password-protected PDFs to AIFF, with no physical submissions accepted. This ensures a fully digital and secure process in line with Clause 3.10 of RFP Volume I.

Clarity on corrigendum process

AIFF reaffirmed that any official corrigendum issued will automatically form part of the main RFP. As stated in the revised document:

“All Corrigenda issued by AIFF shall be treated as amendments to the RFP, and the relevant clauses shall stand modified accordingly.”

This ensures uniformity across all communications and guarantees equal access to updated terms for every participant.

Also Read: Key Takeaways from AIFF’s Written Responses to ISL Commercial Rights Queries

Revised Financial and Contractual Provisions

Strengthened financial safeguards

A major revision involves performance and bid security. The corrigendum mandates that the selected bidder must provide a bank guarantee equivalent to three times the Year 1 guaranteed payment. It further clarifies that only bank guarantees are valid, eliminating the acceptance of parent company guarantees.

Contractual compliance and governance clarity

AIFF also amended clauses in RFP Volume II related to broadcast rights, record submissions, and governance oversight. The updated Clause 6.2 now reads:

“The Selected Bidder shall strictly comply with all applicable laws, AIFF regulations, and instructions issued from time to time during the contract period.”

Furthermore, Clause 6.9 ensures that all ISL matches must be broadcast live or on a deferred live basis across television and digital platforms, guaranteeing maximum reach.

Revised Evaluation Criteria and Scoring Structure

Updates in technical presentation assessment

Corrigendum 4 also modifies Section 13.4 of RFP Volume I, which covers technical presentations and evaluation metrics. The revised structure now allocates 20 marks in total, distributed as follows:

• Vision for ISL (3 marks)
• Commercial Strategy and Viewership Plan (10 marks)
• Value Addition and Fan Engagement (3 marks)
• Team Experience and Profiles (4 marks)

This marks a shift from the previous open-ended structure, creating a clearer, merit-based system.

As per the updated note, “AIFF under instructions of BEC may call upon any or all the Bidders to make a presentation to BEC on the aspects listed under in this criterion.”

As the federation prepares for the November 5, 2025 submission deadline, all eyes remain on which bidder will secure the 15-year ISL commercial rights agreement.

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