AIFF Promises Enhanced Broadcasts and Optimized Fixtures for I-League 2023-24

The AIFF has committed to improved HD broadcasts and club-centric fixtures for the I-League, pending infrastructure upgrades by clubs. This decision emerged from a productive meeting with club representatives, paving the way for enhanced marketing, promotion, and operational efficiency.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has vowed to enhance the broadcast quality and optimize fixtures for the forthcoming I-League season. During a crucial meeting led by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the federation assured the clubs of productions featuring up to eight high-definition cameras and a fixture list tailored to each club's needs, on the condition that participating clubs meet specific infrastructure requirements.

The meeting, held at the Football House in the capital, saw participation from eight of the twelve club owners/co-owners, with the remaining four joining virtually. Following the constructive discussions, AIFF committed to collaborating closely with stakeholders to elevate the I-League’s profile, focusing on marketing, promotion, refereeing, and broadcasting aspects. To this end, various task force groups comprising club representatives have been established to propose actionable steps.

The AIFF plans to schedule prime-time slots for I-League matches with enhanced HD broadcast setups. Clubs must report on their stadium infrastructure, ensuring international-standard pitch quality and 1800 lux floodlights — minimum requirements for quality broadcast production. Venues that meet these standards will be allocated prime-time broadcast slots and marked as marquee events. For those unable to meet these criteria, AIFF will provide between two and six camera kits, based on infrastructure availability. The scheduling for the 2023-24 season will be designed to minimize travel costs and time for clubs. A follow-up meeting with the I-League clubs and the Task Force is scheduled for August 26, 2024, to review progress and plan further actions.