Indian Football Forum 2013

Indian Football Forum 2013 took place at Indian Habitat Center, sponsored by Coca – Cola, Adidas, consulting partner Libero Sports was a hit. The one day conference covered various topics like :

1         1)   Under  17 FIFA World Cup

2          2)   The Bundesliga, success during 10 years.

3              3)     Pune FC

4             4)    I League

5             5)  Big Corporates, New format of the game, viewership.

It all started with Sir Ayaz Memon, the presenter who had some words on Indian Football.

Later on, it was discussed that is India ready to host Under 17 FIFA World Cup. Yes they said, but India still needs to build some good infrastructure, good ground facilities and more importantly good medical facilities. If they achieve in doing all this then only countries will send their best football team to our country to play football.

Then Mr. Peter Leible, Chief Representative Asia Pacific, Bundesliga shared some words on their football league. He showed us the highlights of growth and development of the German league during last 10 years. Though German football league has less viewership than Barclays Premier League still they are happy to be in number 2 because of the love, young talent they are producing, no debts of the clubs. He told us about the story of club Dortmund who were in the financial crisis were supported by Bayern Munich Football Club, no clubs in German League is in debts now as he compared Chelsea Football Club in EPL facing a debts. They spend lots of money on the young talent, building infrastructure which help player to nurture likes of Rues. He also told us that no foreign investor is allowed to invest in German Football Club more than 49% of the share that sounds very good.  He added that the timings of the club matches does not suits the other country but still they are preferring the same timings as their own country people are supporting them and are coming in large amount to watch a match. He compared the brand value of Bundesliga i.e. 72 million dollar with BPL i.e. 88 million dollar but stills he leaves a smile of his face with the points he added before. German players like Philip Lahm, Schweinsteiger gets a call from clubs like Manchester  United but still they prefer German club because of the love, money spend on them to nurture when they were young.

Later on Chirag Tanna, Head Operation, PUNE FC headed to the stage and told us about his Club growth.  What are they doing to produce good young talent, building of infrastructure, bringing on young lads to be professionals, how I – League needs to be improve.

Then there was a panel discussion between Sunando Dhar, CEO, I – League, Shaji Prabhakaran, Regional Development Officer, FIFA, Chirag Tanna, PUNE FC, Wasim Haq, Head – Sports Practice, Middle East on how Indian football should improve, what the AIFF needs to do for the growth of I League in India, bringing on big corporates in sponsoring the clubs, advertising agencies. It was all discussed why I - League is not growing in India and what steps need to be taken.

Later on, Mr. Vijay Rajput, Chief Operating Officer, ESPN shared some words on growth of European Football in India and Indian football. It was good to see improvement in football in modern generation. It all ended with the discussion that India Football should be played with new formats to bring on eye balls in India.

Cheers!