Indian Football has recently received a boost of positivity. Things have been moving after a long time and at a faster pace. The Indian Super League has a new broadcast deal. AIFF has a new broadcast partner. Indian National Football team is playing more matches and winning tournaments. They are also set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2023. After a long fans feel some synchronization between the stakeholders of Indian Football and the Federation. Although some recent tensions have developed between the national team head coach head coach Igor Stimac, AIFF, ISL organisers FSDL and the club representatives regarding the schedule of the ISL and the release of the concerned players for the Asian Games 2023. Amidst this Indian Football receives a big blow as Hero MotoCorp is set to withdraw sponsorship from Indian Football. Mohun Bagan Super Giant Refuse to Release Players for Asian Games 2023 Amidst Ashique Kuruniyan’s ACL Tear Controversy.

According to football news platform KhelNow, Hero MotoCorp, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has decided not to renew its sponsorship deal with Indian football. Sources have revealed that the decision has been taken because of some internal issues the company has been facing at recent times. Their contract with the organisers of ISL, Football Sports and Developement Limited (FSDL) came to an end in May 2023 and they have decided not to extend association. Previously, Hero Motocorp was in the news recently due to an ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation.

“It’s essential to clarify that this investigation is unrelated to their (Hero Motocorp) decision to end the decade-long association with Indian Football. Instead, it revolves around Hero’s choice not to renew their contract with FSDL, which had expired at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season,” said the source to KhelNow, who doesn’t wish to be named given the sensitive nature of the issue.

The sponsorship deal between Hero MotoCorp and Indian football had been in place for several years and was considered a significant source of funding for the sport for over 10 years. The company had been the title sponsor of the Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s top football league, the I-League and all the other competitions run by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), including various grassroots and youth development programs. also sponsored the national teams as a title sponsor in the friendly games in India. Indian Football Team Head Coach Igor Stimac Picked Squad for Crucial Asian Cup 2022 Match on Astrologer's Advice: Report.

Hero Motocorp's withdrawal is a serious blow for AIFF and Indian Football. In an ecosystem which is already striving for financial health, Hero stepping back doesn't help at all. The Indian Super League's 2023-24 season starts on September 21. AIFF and FSDL has to work smart and quick to ensure a smooth running of the Indian Football with a new replacement sponsor ahead of the start of the upcoming season.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2023 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).