The trend of European football clubs signing partnership deals with the Indian Super League (ISL) has been observed in the last few years. Sevilla FC has come up with a surprise deal as they have looked at I-League Second Division rather than ISL to work with an Indian club. The Europa League Champions confirmed on January 18 that they had reached an agreement with FC Bengaluru United for a strategic partnership.
The Spanish club wants to focus on the Indian market through this deal. Considering the Indian market is yet to be completely tapped by European clubs despite having a large viewership from the country for the top five leagues in Europe.
Sevilla confirmed that they would be working with FC Bengaluru United by participating in various technological innovation, development, and implementation projects to strengthen their hold in the Indian market. The Spanish club is also looking to assist FC Bengaluru United on the pitch to get optimum results. It remains to be seen what kind of plans Sevilla has to assist the Indian club on the pitch.
FC Bengaluru United is a very young club as it was founded in 2018. After playing in the local leagues during the first year, the Bangalore based club took the giant leap and participated in the second division of the I-League in the 2019/20 season. Sevilla FC insists that they will be looking to instill the culture in the Indian club that has helped them win six Europa League titles in this century.
International clubs have often failed to help the cause of Indian football in the past, but things might change soon as the Indian market has become an attractive destination for these clubs. Before the start of the 2020/21 ISL campaign, RB Leipzig joined hands with FC Goa, while Borussia Dortmund announced a strategic partnership with Hyderabad FC.