Under the deal, worth a reported Rs 700-crore ($155 million), the joint-venture between IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries has acquired all the commercial rights to football in India. IMG Reliance said that, in cooperation with the AIFF, it will radically restructure, overhaul, improve, popularise and promote the game of football throughout India, from the grassroots to the professional level.
“The AIFF has a vision for the sport of football in the country. Our engagement with IMG Reliance comes at a pivotal stage of this pursuit to enhance the quality of football and develop the sport across the country,” said AIFF President Praful Patel.
IMG-Reliance will replace Zee Sports, the I-League sponsor for the last five years. The AIFF is believed to have terminated the Zee Sports deal four years early due to delayed payments and a lack of publicity.
The deal follows IMG Reliance's recent similar announcement of acquiring the commercial rights to basketball in India, in cooperation with the Basketball Federation in India.
