Jaipur-Based Rajasthan United FC Chairman KK Tak Appointed to Indian Football League Governing Council
In a significant development for Indian football, KK Tak, the chairman of Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC) based in Jaipur, has been appointed as a member of the Governing Council of the newly-launched Indian Football League (IFL). This announcement was made on Wednesday as part of a landmark structural unveiling of the IFL, which represents a modern, club-governed national league aimed at redefining the football ecosystem in India.
Structural Shift in Indian Football Governance
The IFL introduces a governance model that places Clubs at the center of decision-making, aligning Indian club football with established global standards. According to a press release issued by RUFC, the Governing Council will consist of one representative from each participating Club, serving as voting members. This council will act as the supreme authority for the League's sporting, commercial, regulatory, and developmental matters.
"The Indian Football League represents a structural shift in how football competitions are run in the country," said Larsing Sawyan, speaking on behalf of the Clubs. "For the first time, Clubs will have a decisive voice in shaping the ecosystem they invest in, compete in, and develop talent for."
IFL's Governance and Operational Framework
The IFL model integrates long-term principles of:
- Commercial sustainability
- Football development
- Youth pathway strengthening
- Enhanced fan engagement
It operates within the constitutional framework of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and international football statutes. The League aims to foster collaboration and transparency, ensuring policies are formulated through technical expertise, financial responsibility, and stakeholder alignment rather than unilateral administrative control.
Composition of IFL Governing Bodies
The Governing Council includes representatives from each participating Club:
- KK Tak: Rajasthan United Football Club
- VC Praveen: Gokulam Kerala FC
- Sher Singh: Namdhari FC
- Akash Banerjee: Diamond Harbour FC
- Arshad Shawl: Real Kashmir FC
- Larsing LD Sawyan: Shillong Lajong FC
- Jivv Vickram Rao: Sreenidi Deccan FC
- Robert Royte: Aizawl FC
- Srinivas Dempo: Dempo SC
Additionally, representatives from the AIFF and the League's marketing partners will be part of the Council.
The Managing Committee, which will oversee operational execution, includes:
- Arshad Shawl: Real Kashmir FC
- B Ashok Kumar: Gokulam Kerala FC
- Larsing LD Sawyan: Shillong Lajong FC
- KK Tak: Rajasthan United FC
- Ratul Ghosh: Diamond Harbour FC
Representatives from the AIFF and marketing partners will also serve on this committee.
Future Announcements and League Participation
Further details regarding the League structure, Season calendar, Club participation criteria, broadcast partnerships, and youth development mandates are expected to be announced in due course. The IFL, previously known as the I-League, will see participation from clubs like Rajasthan United FC, which is set to compete in this revamped league.
This move marks a pivotal moment in Indian football, as it adopts a governance framework similar to major European leagues like the English Premier League, where clubs collectively shape policies, commercial strategies, and sporting directions.
