BFI-IMGR deal runs into trouble
Mirror Sports Bureau
The faction-ridden Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has got embroiled in further controversy. On Thursday, The Govind Raj faction of the BFI, which is recognised by the world body FIBA but not by the Indian Olympic Association, sent a notice threatening to terminate contract with Reliance IMG over nonpayment of dues for 14 months.
IMG-Reliance has, however, got a stay from the Delhi High Court.
Sources in IMG-Reliance said that IMGR, which is also working on grassroot programme with NBA, “has been in an invidious position” due to lack of clarity as to which group has the official authority. “The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has not recognised either faction. As the marketing partner, IMGR had always worked very closely with the federation and is fully committed towards the development and promotion of Basketball across all levels in India. We will be happy to focus on growing the sport in India with the recognised officials.”
Indian basketball has been in turmoil ever since two factions — one led by BJP MP Poonam Mahajan and other by Bangalore-based Govind Raj — staked claim to be the official body.
“I wonder how they can do that. The matter is sub-judice. The Sports Ministry, IOA, and FIBA (World Basketball Federation) are seized on the dispute and I am surprised they have taken such a decision,” Mahajan said. When contacted, Govind Raj refused to dwell deep into the matter. “I can speak about it tomorrow,” he said.
In 2010, the BFI signed a 30-year deal with IMG-Reliance granting them all the commercial, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, data and franchising rights. The amount of the deal is understood to be $2 million a year.
The faction-ridden Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has got embroiled in further controversy. On Thursday, The Govind Raj faction of the BFI, which is recognised by the world body FIBA but not by the Indian Olympic Association, sent a notice threatening to terminate contract with Reliance IMG over nonpayment of dues for 14 months.
IMG-Reliance has, however, got a stay from the Delhi High Court.
Confirming that IMG-Reliance has obtained stay, a source said the payment could not be made because of lack of clarity over controlling authority.
Sources in IMG-Reliance said that IMGR, which is also working on grassroot programme with NBA, “has been in an invidious position” due to lack of clarity as to which group has the official authority. “The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has not recognised either faction. As the marketing partner, IMGR had always worked very closely with the federation and is fully committed towards the development and promotion of Basketball across all levels in India. We will be happy to focus on growing the sport in India with the recognised officials.”
Indian basketball has been in turmoil ever since two factions — one led by BJP MP Poonam Mahajan and other by Bangalore-based Govind Raj — staked claim to be the official body.
“I wonder how they can do that. The matter is sub-judice. The Sports Ministry, IOA, and FIBA (World Basketball Federation) are seized on the dispute and I am surprised they have taken such a decision,” Mahajan said. When contacted, Govind Raj refused to dwell deep into the matter. “I can speak about it tomorrow,” he said.
In 2010, the BFI signed a 30-year deal with IMG-Reliance granting them all the commercial, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, data and franchising rights. The amount of the deal is understood to be $2 million a year.
