Country’s first Professional Football League to start from September 30, 2007
The National Football League (NFL), India’s premier soccer tournament, is all set to shed its rusty image. The NFL will now be called I-League. The proposed pro league, India’s first, will be inaugurated on September 30 this year and will conclude on March 8, 2008.
According to the proposal, the upcoming league will aim to have an improved quality of football and better stadiums. As per plans, it will have a nationwide format and will be distributed internationally. And importantly be played on weekends and under lights, thus improving fan response, NFL games have often been held under a scorching sun and on busy weekdays.
Talking about the NFL, after its much publicised kick-off in 1996, it lost its stature and appeal within a couple of years.
Haphazard format, irregular schedules, shoddy TV coverage and an unplanned calendar ensured that NFL lost its sheen. But it was waiting to happen as NFL’s semi professional structure gave way because of a hollow base. The idea of a proper pro league was given a fillip by FIFA chief Sepp Blatter when he visited the country last April.
The Structure :
* 10 clubs, go upto 16
* Involving more Metros
* Six floodlit stadiums
The Clubs :
* To be run as per FIFA. AFC professional guidelines
* Professionally run on and off the pitch
* Local marketing drive to create fan base
* Local media drive for daily coverage
Promotion Plans :
* 50 live games in peak time
* Live telecast in Middle East and Hong Kong
* Highlights and goals show
* Live video and audio streaming on dedicated internet site
* Airline highlights
* Mobile phone clips
Getting the cities behind the clubs :
* “I support my I-League Club”
* Giving new metro generations a club to follow
* Building on existing club brands
* Working with schools and colleges
* FIFA experts to help clubs
Going to the Game :
* Improved quality of live stadium experience
* High quality matches presentation
* New designer kits for teams and officials
* Regular times to build continuity
* Season ticket packages.
* Family ticket packages
I-League merchandising :
* Replica shirts for all ages
* Other casual wear with club branding
* Club mascot packages
* Car accessories
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