FIFA suspends All India Football Federation over third-party influences
FIFA suspends All India Football Federation over third-party influences: FIFA suspended India on Tuesday for “undue influence from third parties” and robbed the nation of the ability to host the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, which is slated for October.
FIFA has banned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the first time in its 85-year history.
“The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect owing to excessive influence from third parties,” the FIFA stated in a statement.
“The suspension will be removed whenever an order to form a committee of administrators to take over the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee is revoked and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily operations.”
On May 18, the Supreme Court removed Praful Patel as AIFF president for failing to organise elections scheduled in December 2020 and established a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to administer the AIFF’s business, led by retired top court judge A.R. Dave.
In addition, the CoA has to draught its constitution in accordance with the National Sports Code and model standards.
The FIFA, on the other hand, has stated that it is in negotiations with the sports ministry and is hopeful of a favorable resolution regarding the women’s age group showcase event.
“Due to the suspension, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, which was scheduled to take place in India from 11 to 30 October 2022, cannot now take place in India as planned.” FIFA is evaluating the next measures for the event and will bring the subject to the Council Bureau if and when appropriate.
“FIFA is in continual constructive touch with India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and remains optimistic that a favorable resolution to the matter may yet be achieved.”
FIFA threatened to suspend the AIFF and revoke its ability to host the women’s U-17 World Cup on August 5, only days after the Supreme Court’s mandate to hold national federation elections.
On August 3, the Supreme Court urged the AIFF executive committee to organize elections as soon as possible in accordance with the schedule established by the CoA, which is now handling the national federation’s business.
The elections are scheduled for August 28, and the polling process began on August 13, after the Supreme Court authorized the timing.