The Indian football overseer AIFF (All India Football Federation) was suspended by FIFA due to “undue influence from third parties.” As a result of this development, India has also been stripped of the right to host the Under-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled for later this year.
“The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes,” a statement released by FIFA read.
“The suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.”
Praful Patel seems to be at the centre of all this trouble as the former AIFF president had refused to hold elections for the top position and continues to be at the helm despite way past his tenure.
On 18th May, the Supreme Court ousted Patel from the AIFF and appointed a three-member committee of Administrators (CoA), headed by AR Dave, a top court judge, to manage the federation.
The FIFA statement further said that it is hopeful of a positive outcome and is in constant touch with the Sports Ministry.
“The suspension means that the FIA U17 Women’s World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India on 11-30 October 2022, cannot currently be held in India as planned. FIFA is assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary.”
“FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Mistry of Youth Affairs and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved.”
The FIFA ban has come after India’s inability to conduct the elections in a fair manner. The Supreme Court has asked the CoA to run the elections as scheduled. The elections will be held on August 28th.
