It could well be the case of cricket’s loss is football’s gain. Cashing in on the recent trouble that has been brewing in Indian cricket, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) today struck pay dirt, a figure which is really big. The AIFF today signed a 10-year deal with Zee Sports for the exclusive telecast rights of all domestic and international football matches. Speculations range from Rs 200 crore to Rs 350 crore and even up to Rs 504 crore. Even if it’s the least figure, it is good time for the AIFF. No party would confirm, though.As per the agreement, the channel will telecast a minimum of 70 live matches in a year, the first of which to be played on October 19 in Goa.Talking to the media, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said that Zee Sports landed the rights after bidding the highest amount, ‘‘the biggest ever.’’The amount, he said, was substantial and would be put back into the game. On his part, Zee Telefilms chief Subhash Chandra said his channel would do its best to make soccer a nation-wide game taking it out of the present confines of West Bengal and Goa.Making a honest admission that despite being the first federation in Asia to begin the game with a dream, Dasmunshi said the dream could not be realised due to various factors. He went on to list things like lack of motivation, support in marketing and TV rights, etc. ‘‘Now that we have the money, it would take care of several things, including the training programmes,’’ said the AIFF chief.Under the agreement, Zee Sports will not only broadcast the matches live but also ensure the marketing aspect of all the domestic tournaments of AIFF, including the Federation Cup, Santosh Trophy, NFL league and Super Cup. Besides, the deal also covers some international matches to be played in the coutnry.Asked how the deal would benefit the players, Dasmunshi said it would definitely help in terms of increased prize money, endorsements for those players who perform and bigger shares to clubs.AIFF secretary Albert Colaco said there will be a presentation to its general body early December “where the modus operandi of spendig” will be revealed. The prouctions will be sponsored, hence time will be needed to attract them. So there will be a time lag.There is a plan to spot the country’s top 15 to 20 footballers. They will be projected the way the top Indian cricketers are projected, through various promotional programmes. That means promotional activity of the meets of the AIFF will be less of a headache for the AIFF now.Plans are also there of bringing top international stars at least once a year and organise football clinics in the soccer-crazy states.Meanwhile, it was made clear by Colaco that this windfall will not directly benefit the states. “This is for national football,” he said. Subrata Dutta, of the IFA, said it should be good for the teams travelling, regarding their expenses.
