ISL football organisers receive 'unprecedented' 30 bids

New Delhi: Anticipation around the Indian Super League football seems to be building, with the organisers receiving positive response from about 30 interested parties, even as the deadline for submitting the bid documents has been extended by two days to March 26 and 27.

The original date for submission of bid documents were March 24 and 25.

"Between 3rd to 21st March 2014, League organisers have recorded about 30 'Invitation to Bid' (ITB) document purchase. In terms of the numbers, this is by far the highest level of interest that any similar franchise-based sports property has garnered in India," tournament organisers IMG-Reliance said in a statement.

Some of the big names from the country's corporate world, Bollywood biggies and present sports team owners have come forward with a wish to be part of the event that promises big-ticket action. The league was to begin in January but had to be postponed owing to scheduling problem and lack of a window.

Promising to revolutionise the sport in the country, the league has the backing of the All India Football Federation, and is likely to see big names such as former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo and former England forward Michael Owen.

The nine cities in the reckoning are Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Eight cities will be shortlisted. According to sources, each team will have to present a robust business plan that includes developing grassroots talent in their city and having an academy by the next five years. The ISL also aims to reach to one million school kids in the country.

"The mandate for winning a city team in the Indian Super League had a novelty factor wherein it's not only based on the highest financial bid, but also on the bidders' proposal of a sound plan for developing football in the catchment area they wish to bid. This plan would also form part of the agreement that each franchise would sign with the League, and would be expected to adhere to it."