New Delhi: Justice LN Rao has recommended “flexibility” in Indian Super League’s ownership structure, “suitable” commercial payouts for each stakeholder to have “teeth in the game” for regeneration of interest for tender and timely organisation of the top-most league while pointing out that the All India Football Federation has asked for consideration of introduction of promotion-relegation in a transitional manner, subject to discussions with AFC and FIFA.

In his 28-page report submitted to the Supreme Court last week after the AIFF received no bid for ISL’s tender, Rao said concerns of bidders centred around key areas of – 1) “minimum guaranteed payment” (Rs 37.5 asking price plus additional operational costs to the tune of Rs 30-40 crore), 2) “decision-making authority” (veto power to AIFF and limited operational control), 3) “management and sub-licensing of rights”, 4) “representation on the Governing Council” (only one representative out of six).

Four entities, including AIFF’s current commercial partners Reliance-subsidiary FSDL, attended pre-bid meetings but then opted not to place a bid, mounting trouble on the AIFF that desperately needs a commercial partner to conduct its top-tier tournament, preventing the sport from grinding to a halt after multiple clubs suspended operations citing lack of clarity.

To find a way forward, Rao, who spoke to clubs, potential bidders before filing his report, recommended........

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