After his time as General Manager at the Football Players Association of India (FPAI), Anuj Kichlu is set for his next venture; a sports management agency specialised in football under the name of ‘the Football Edge‘. I spoke to Anuj about his new venture
How did the idea to start an agency like ‘the Football Edge’ come about?
We have been helping a lot of players with contracts, negotiations of commercial deals and personal advice until now. The idea came about as many of the players wanted us to be formal representatives for them. However, working in the FPAI would be seen as benefiting certain players. Instead, by setting up a separate organisation, players can now sign up with us while the FPAI continues to do its work for football development, equal treatment towards all players, and charity.
When will ‘the Football Edge’ be formally launched?
It will formally be launched in December 2012 as we are awaiting the registration process. However, there is already a line of activity planned from the launch onwards.
Who all are involved in the new company?
The 4 directors in the company include Baichung Bhutia – known to all as Indian football’s torch bearer; Sam Balsara, who is the Chairman and Managing Director of Madison Media with their headquarters in Mumbai; Noomi Mehta, an avid sports lover besides being Chairman and Managing Director of Selvel Vantage – a premier Outdoor Advertising Company, and myself, Anuj Kichlu, who continues to voluntarily help FPAI as an International Relations and Commercial Manager but will be CEO of this new venture.
What do you all intend to do?
To start with, we are working with many of the top Indian national team players and international stars playing in India. Our intention is to bring in high-quality players to Indian football and see it grow. We will also be looking at other activities in football including organizing matches, helping NGOs and charities, and helping well-known footballers organize camps & charity matches in rural areas to spread the game across the country, as well as give the rural population a chance to play football and follow their dreams. We are also looking at providing scholarships to needy yet talented players.
I can only wish you all the best!
Thanks!!!
