ISL 2019: Former Rangers chief Martin Bain named as CEO of FSDL

It's an exciting time for Indian football as the Indian national team, after fighting to a draw against Asian champions Qatar, are set to face off against Bangladesh in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Also, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) is set to commence later this month. There have been rumours of Premier League champions Manchester City owners' interest in investing in an ISL club, with City Football Group keen on investing in Mumbai City FC. The latest in a string of exciting announcements for Indian football is the appointment of Martin Bain as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The FSDL is the organising company of the Indian Super League. 

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The 51-year-old played a crucial role in developing his home club Rangers FC. Bain served as the CEO of Rangers FC and has also served a 3-year term as Director of the Scottish Premier League. Following his departure from Scottish football, Martin Bain moved on to help develop the Israeli football scene. The accomplished Scotsman served as the CEO of Maccabi Tel-Aviv between 2014-16, which is also when the club qualified for the UEFA Champions League. 

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A man of experience

After a successful spell in Tel Aviv, Bain went on to helm the board of Sunderland AFC. After the Black Cats were relegated for the second time in two seasons, Bain and Sunderland parted ways by mutual consent in May 2018. Bain's appointment comes at an opportune moment for Indian football. With the Indian Super League (ISL) being named as the country's top tier league, and clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal could join in subsequent seasons of the ISL, Bain, with his 25 plus years of experience in football, will have a unique opportunity to shape and develop the scenario of Indian football. Having held top positions at various football clubs and leagues globally, Martin Bain will be well primed to take Indian football forward. The appointment of Bain, coupled with the increasing popularity of the Indian Super League will mean that the future of Indian football is in safe hands.

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