MUMBAI: The All India Football Federation has given its backing to the Premier League Soccer, the franchise-based soccer league launched by West Bengal?s football governing body, the IFA.

AIFF?s endorsement was the only missing link in the PLS tale, which has managed to grab world?s attention after tasting success at the franchise auction and foreign players? auction both of which saw as much as Rs 1.05 billion of private money being invested into the sport.

However, the backing comes with a caveat that the organisers, which is the IFA and its commercial partner Celebrity Management Group, needs to adopt "correct procedures" regarding the participation of active international stars.

Refuting media reports that the AIFF was against the PLS, federation?s general secretary Kushal Das said, "We fully backed the tournament. We have given written permission to the IFA to hold the tournament. Our only concern is that we want correct procedures to be taken on the participation of international players."

"A few international players are still active. We have to ensure correct international transfer management in their case. If there is any problem in their case, say if there arises any issues regarding their salary payment, FIFA will hold AIFF responsible. We don?t want to tarnish the image of AIFF and Bengal football," he added.

The PLS has attracted the likes of former and current international stars Fabio Cannavaro, Hernan Crespo, Robbie Fowler and Jay-Jay Okocha not to mention the international coaches that each team will have.

Das informed that the AIFF will call for an emergency committee meeting in the second half of this month to ensure that "correct procedures" are in place.

He also said that I-League players will not be allowed to take part in the seven-week PLS. "The understanding has been that the I-League players will not take part in the tournament," he said.

However, CMG executive director Bhaswar Goswami had in an interview with Indiantlevision.com clearly stated that the league has been created for domestic talent who don?t have a platform rather than to tap I-League players who are already employed with their respective clubs.

MUMBAI: Ten Sports has acquired the broadcasting rights of the IMG Reliance?s I-League for 2011-2012 season.

The I-League kicks off on 22 October and runs until the end of April 2012. 14 teams participate in the League which comprises 182 matches across 26 rounds. Started in 2007, the I-League replaced the National Football League, which ran for 11 seasons. The winner of the I-League qualifies for the AFC Champions League qualifying round.

As part of the deal, Ten Action+ will broadcast the 75 league games live.

Ten Sports CEO Atul Pande said, "We are delighted to be associated with IMG Reliance, to telecast the I-League, India?s premier?s football tournament. We are committed to bringing the best sports action to our viewers, and this new agreement with the IMG Reliance reaffirms our commitment to grow the sports business and consolidate our position as the leading sports broadcaster. Zee and Ten have been supporters of Indian football for many years and we continue committed to our vision of enhancing and adding value to the sport."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das added, "Ten Action+ is a niche football channel and I am sure the visibility and on air promotional activities of the channel will go a long way in enhancing the profile of the I-League. Our partners IMG Reliance deserve all credit for forging this significant partnership."

IMG Reliance spokesperson commented, "We are happy to confirm Ten Sports as the national broadcaster for the 2011-12 season of I-League as part of our ongoing efforts to develop the following of the sport in India. We are committed to pursuing various initiatives as part of our strategic plan to enhance the level of competition as also harness the domestic football talent in the country. Ten Sports shares our vision for the sport in India and we are delighted to partner with them in bringing football into the homes of fans across the nation."

MUMBAI: Brand Value Communications has been signed as the regional broadcast partner for the I-League football 2011-2012 season.

This is the second consecutive regional broadcast deal with BVCL for IMG Reliance, who owns the commercial rights for AIFF events including the recently concluded Federation Cup and upcoming I-League.

Brand Value Communications will be broadcasting I-League 75 matches through their channels News Time Bangla and News Time Assam in West Bengal and Assam respectively.

The I-League starts on 22 October and runs until the end of April 2012. 14 teams participate in the League which comprises 182 matches across 26 rounds.

Started in 2007, the I-League replaced the National Football League, which ran for 11 seasons

A spokesperson from IMG Reliance said, "After our association with BVCL for the Federation Cup, IMG Reliance is pleased to have signed Brand Value Communications Ltd as regional broadcaster across West Bengal and the North East for the I-League?s 2011-2012 season."

A BVCL spokesperson said, "I-league being at the top of the Indian Football league system would be an essential part in the bouquet of BVCLs football telecast all through the year. News time Bangla and News Time Assam endeavours to cater to the football lover in both these states, and has had enormous viewer response during the federation cup. Telecast of I-league live on BVCLs channels would be an endorsement of our support for the game and our effort to reach out to the huge fan base in these two states. I league is a premier competition of the country and has enormous potential on TV; News Time intends to benefit from the viewership pie for the same."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das is delighted that BVCL added, "It is an extremely encouraging trend that regional broadcasters are taking such initiatives so that football becomes visible in the regions and hoped that more such channels come forward in other regions."