I read it and it is quite interesting. Some things are revealed here which many have asked questions about. First off, it seems that IMG-Reliance did create/form a separate company for the Indian Super League, Football Sports Development Pvt Ltd. Now how tightly it is connected or is influenced by IMG-Reliance I do not know so this does not mean that after 15-years the ISL is a for sure thing.
Another interesting part is this: "With the plan to add additional franchises over the next few years, that would suggest a future value for football in India in the neighborhood of $1 billion."
So we are not going to remain at 8 teams forever. We will expand the league and this will mean the league season will get longer, naturally.
This part strikes me the most: "In the first year, the Indian Super League along with its eight partners aims to reach one million kids through an in-school program and community development. Going forward, the league will endeavor to have a grassroots training module, along the lines of FIFA approved programs, for age specific coaching starting with U-8 and after five years, each of the League Partners to have a full-time academy."
So there are plans to work on grassroots development in the ISL and the time-span to start academies is perfect. Although I can not comment on the first-year business as we have not heard much on that.
So ya, those are really the main points. The article as a whole is pretty interesting if you guys want a read.
Lets things fall into place. In the first season, main aim is to put the team into place. Have players from abroad, basically to ensure proper functioning of team on all levels. next season onwards or after this season ends, things will be better.
Each club is to have a squad of minimum 22 players (1 Marquee, 7 International and 14 Domestic).
Further to the 22 players , the club can also recruit 5 additional players (Marquee, International or Domestic) solely at the club’s discretion.
So, therefore as delhi already signed marten skoubo and mads junker, they sign 5 international players from the centralised draft on 21st. All other players that they sign will be on their own i.e extra players apart from minimum 22 players.
Another major boost by FIFA president - Sepp Blatter -
“Football has to keep on spreading throughout the world. We have seen success with the professional league in China, but in September I can inform you that we will have a professional soccer league in India,” Blatter was quoted as saying in the magazine ‘SportsBusiness International’
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Each club is to have a squad of minimum 22 players (1 Marquee, 7 International and 14 Domestic).
Further to the 22 players , the club can also recruit 5 additional players (Marquee, International or Domestic) solely at the club’s discretion.
HAHA. Shocked??
Frankly speaking, their CV looks ok. But, don't know how they will perform on the field. Lets hope for best!