Bhutia's Bold Vision: AIFF Must Embrace IPL Model for ISL Success

Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia has ignited a fresh debate, proposing a radical blueprint for the All India Football Federation (AIFF): to directly emulate the wildly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) model for running the Indian Super League (ISL). As he vies for the AIFF presidency, Bhutia's vision centers on transforming the ISL into a profitable, self-sustainable entity, much like its cricket counterpart.

Bhutia argues that for Indian football to truly flourish and attract significant investment, the AIFF must regain control of its premier league.

Currently, the ISL is operated by FSDL (Football Sports Development Limited), a venture of Reliance. Bhutia believes this structure prevents the league from reaching its full potential, hindering its ability to become a viable 'product' that genuinely benefits Indian football as a whole.

Drawing parallels with the IPL, Bhutia envisions a league where the AIFF, as the governing body, manages all aspects, from marketing and broadcasting rights to the crucial revenue-sharing model.

This approach, he asserts, is vital to generate substantial revenue that can then be reinvested into grassroots development, national teams, and creating a robust football ecosystem across the country.

"The AIFF should run the league, not an external entity. We need to create a product that is valuable, and that means taking inspiration from the IPL," Bhutia stated.

"The IPL's success isn't just about cricket; it's about a well-structured business model that empowers the sport, attracts sponsors, and creates a massive fan following. We need that for football."

If elected president, Bhutia has pledged to bring about fundamental changes, including establishing a clear, consistent football calendar that benefits all stakeholders, from clubs to national team players.

His overarching goal is to professionalize Indian football, ensuring that the sport becomes a self-sufficient industry, capable of nurturing talent and competing on the global stage. This bold proposition is set to be a key talking point as Indian football looks towards a new era of leadership and strategic development.