ISL fails to attract any bids, plunging Indian Football into crisis
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) plunged into unprecedented uncertainty after its tender for the Indian Super League (ISL) ended without attracting a single bid. Once hailed as the cornerstone of football’s growth in India, the ISL’s inability to find an investor has exposed severe structural and financial vulnerabilities across the sport’s ecosystem.
The AIFF’s attempt to secure a new partner for broadcasting, sponsorship, and merchandising rights began with optimism in October. Four parties signalled interest and participated in the pre-bid meeting, pressing the federation for clarity on revenue and operations. However, the initial excitement fizzled out as the deadline approached, leaving the tender box empty. Key concerns among potential bidders included the financial structure of the league, vague revenue-sharing proposals, and fears over long-term planning and club income streams.
Central to the problem was the federation’s demand: a minimum annual payment of Rs 37.5 crore or 5 percent of gross revenue for 15 years, combined with operational responsibilities from league production to grassroots development. Experts described these terms as untenable for a league still struggling to stabilize viewership and commercial returns. The result is a vacuum in leadership and funding for Indian football at a critical juncture, just after the men’s national team failed to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup.
With no commercial partner or stable financial plan, the ISL’s future, India’s broader football ambitions now hangs in the balance. Grassroots programmes, national teams, and league administration face immediate disruption. Trust between the AIFF and its stakeholders continues to erode, fueled further by last minute governance controversies, including a Supreme Court petition against the bid committee’s leadership. The failed tender signals challenges much larger than one league, raising urgent questions about the direction and credibility of Indian football’s administrators.
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Governor urges enhanced budgetary support for higher education in state budget
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday urged the state government to provide stronger budgetary backing to the Higher Education department in the forthcoming state budget.
Presiding over the Karnataka State Public Universities Vice Chancellors’ Conference–2026, organised by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with the Higher Education department and the Karnataka Higher Education Council, the Governor stressed that public universities require structured and sustained financial support, a press release issued by Lok Bhavan said.
“Universities, having limited internal revenue sources, require special financial care and structured budgetary support,” the release quoted Gehlot as saying, while appealing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure the March 6 State Budget is more beneficial to higher education.
The Governor expressed satisfaction over the Chief Minister’s participation in the conference and voiced confidence that the upcoming budget would prioritise higher education.
He specifically called for filling long-pending vacancies in institutions such as Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Kannada University, Karnataka Janapada University, and Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics University, along with adequate financial provisions for their development.
Emphasising the need to strengthen government universities, Gehlot said deliberations at the conference reflected Karnataka’s readiness to steer higher education in a new direction.
He also called for increasing admissions in government institutions and examining why students prefer private universities despite higher fees.
The Governor stressed strict adherence to academic calendars to ensure timely admissions, examinations and declaration of results.
Improved coordination between Vice Chancellors and Registrars, upskilling of academic staff, curriculum updates aligned with present-day needs and the introduction of job-oriented courses were identified as priorities.
Highlighting campus development, he stressed the need to improve quality, cleanliness and greenery, and urged active implementation of initiatives such as “One Tree for Mother.”
He also encouraged universities to promote sports participation to enable students to represent institutions at district, state, national and international levels.
On governance and transparency, Gehlot pressed for strict compliance with central and UGC guidelines within stipulated timelines.
The release said he emphasised that institutional credibility depends on resolving internal disputes democratically and maintaining transparency in financial matters.
He added that the Chancellor must foster harmony among stakeholders to avoid unnecessary inquiries and administrative disruptions.
The Governor suggested that universities expand international collaborations for academic and student exchange, enhance national rankings and address faculty shortages and infrastructure gaps.
Leveraging central schemes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds was suggested as a way to bridge financial constraints with State support.
According to him, universities should preference to Indian traditional dress as uniform attire during annual convocation ceremonies to promote cultural heritage.
The conference commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana and Naada Geethe. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the conference.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar were among those present on the occasion.
