In a bid to shield Indian athletes from sponsorship pitfalls, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Wednesday elaborated on its controversial new rule mandating prior clearance for all endorsement agreements. The policy, rolled out last week, has sparked discussions, but AFI insists it’s a protective measure benefiting everyone involved.
Athletes often face hidden clauses and termination risks in deals, AFI pointed out. To counter this, the federation’s legal advisors will scrutinize contracts free of charge, helping players avoid costly mistakes and stay competition-ready.
‘We’re aware of the reactions to our decision requiring federation approval before third-party pacts,’ AFI stated. ‘Prompted by sponsor inputs, this ensures athletes prioritize their sport over legal battles.’
Far from blocking income streams, AFI wants to empower athletes with informed choices. No charges apply for reviews, and sponsors get quick confirmations—within three days—to move forward confidently.
This comes at a time when Indian athletics is gaining global traction, with stars signing lucrative deals. Yet, past disputes highlight the need for oversight. AFI’s framework could prevent future heartaches, allowing talents to shine without off-field distractions.
Critics argue it adds bureaucracy, but proponents see it as essential guardianship. As the federation fine-tunes implementation, the sports world watches how this balances freedom and security in athlete commercial ventures.
