DFL signs MoU with the Government of the State of Maharashtra to further strengthen Indian football

• Agreement focuses on advancing the football expertise and professionalising structures within the state of Maharashtra
• This MoU underlines the Bundesliga’s commitment towards growing the football ecosystem in India  

29 August 2023 – The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has entered into a broader collaboration with the Government of the State of Maharashtra, after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 28 August by Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Dr. Suhas Diwase as part of the prestigious Shree Shiv Chhatarapati Awards ceremony in Pune, India. A delegation representing the Bundesliga attended the ceremony and witnessed the signing of the MoU in the esteemed presence of major dignitaries from the Government of Maharashtra including: Governor Mr. Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Mr. Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Ajit Pawar, Minister of Co-operation Mr. Dilip Walse Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education Mr. Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Rural Development Mr. Girish Mahajan, Sports Minister Mr. Sanjay Bansode & Principal Secretary of School Education & Sports.

The MoU lays out three core elements to support the advancement of football within the state of Maharashtra: improving the technical and sporting expertise at all levels within clubs, associations, colleges and schools; strengthening football structures across the Indian subcontinent; and specifically supporting the progression of football within the Maharashtra district.

The Directorate of Sports & Youth Services serves as part of the Government of the State of Maharashtra but acts as an independent body, established in 1970 and focused on the instillation and promotion of sports, youth welfare and physical education within the mainstream education sector. The goal of the organisation is to boost the role of sport at all levels across the state, as well as nurturing burgeoning talent to help young people achieve their potential at national and international level.

Peer Naubert, Bundesliga International Chief Marketing Officer, said: “We know the shared love that Indian and German sports fans have from a young age; passionate fan culture that is passed from generation to generation. We have seen that passion specifically for German football: the Bundesliga is the fastest growing league across the Indian subcontinent and our live audience numbers have doubled in the past two seasons, highlighting the commitment fans have for their favourite clubs. 

Through this agreement, and the work we are doing with our partners throughout India, we want to promote the advancement of Indian football wholeheartedly.

Peer Naubert, Bundesliga International Chief Marketing Officer

“The Bundesliga is renowned for developing youth talent into global stars, with players not just from Germany but from around the world. Our efforts are not limited to the academies in Germany however; we are committed to supporting leagues, federations and countries for the growth of global football. Through this agreement, and the work we are doing with our partners throughout India, we want to promote the advancement of Indian football wholeheartedly, and hope to see Indian footballers make it to Germany in the coming years.”

Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Dr. Suhas Diwase said: “The signing of this MoU not only marks the official beginning of our partnership but also serves as a testament of our commitment to growth of sports and athlete welfare. We are confident that our combined efforts will lead to a prosperous future and an effective value exchange mechanism for the athletes of our sporting communities.”