The All-India Football Federation is in talks with sports broadcaster ESPN to cover football in India from the next season.
The AIFF is almost certain that its contract with Doordarshan will not be renewed and has therefore started looking for a new broadcasting ally.
The AIFF-Doordarshan contract was worth Rs 70 million annually, but, surprisingly, the government-owned television channel did not telecast several major matches because of what some quarters believe is diminishing interest in the domestic game.
"Feelers were first sent out to ESPN and the initial vibes are good," AIFF sources told rediff.com "Serious talks are to begin soon."
The sources said the talks would centre on two aspects, the contract amount and the tournament schedules to suit ESPN.
Soccer circles in Kolkata, however, believe the United States-based channel may not agree to shell out Rs 70 million.
ESPN is said to have told the AIFF that it will have to be consulted when the schedules are drawn up. It also wants the tournament organisers to stick to the schedule once it is decided. Often in India, tournament dates and match timings change without much notice.
The current Indian football season ends on April 19.
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