The AIFF's search for I-League TV partner

The fourth edition of the I-League is set to kick-off in less then a week and the AIFF still has no TV partner, who would be showing the matches of the I-League and the Super Cup on December 1. And it is time to sort this crucial issue otherwise clubs and sponsors are in a fix about TV coverage of the I-League.

"After ending our contract with Zee Sports, we are now looking for telecast partners. And on Monday we will formally invite bids for the telecast rights of the I-League and the Super Cup. The rights will only be for the 2010-11 season," AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das told IANS.

And interested parties have until 15.00 IST on Monday, November 29 to send in their written proposal to the AIFF on interest to show the Super Cup/I-League. The contract is only for the 2010/11 season and it will be interesting to see how interested parties are able to put a whole production team together to cover the matches and which channel would be showing the I-League. Most slots on sports channels in India are currently blocked for the near future.

The following has been published on the AIFF website on what a TV partner needs to provide to the AIFF/I-League to get the telecast rights.


Invitation for proposal for Telecast rights

Minimum Requirements:

• 60 Matches live telecasts


• 8 Camera coverage


• Pre-match and post match preview and review of 30 minutes each


• Ensure title sponsor is mentioned in all communication / promotion- air and on ground


• Maximum promotion/ mileage to the title sponsor, AIFF and I League during commentary & pre & post match coverage


• Interview with Man of the Match/ Coach


• 300 Seconds of FCT per live match for AIFF


• 20 Seconds of promo after a gap of every 30 minutes daily till the end of the tournament


• Round wise analysis within 48 Hrs. within completion of the last match of the round to be shown on prime time with repeats


• Back drop with proper title in commentary box as well as in the studio


• Commentary team to be approved by AIFF for every match


• Product category exclusivity for title sponsor – on air & on ground


• Subject to the approval of Rights holder

Proposal, in sealed envelop, should reach the AIFF, General Secretary, Mr. Kushal Das at All India Football Federation, Football House, Sector-19, Phase-1, Dwarka, New Delhi-110 075 on or before 3P.M. on Monday i.e. 29th of November 2010.
AIFF reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning any reason whatsoever.