FIFA has suspended the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect. This suspension by FIFA has come due to third-party interference in the All Indian Football Federation. Recently the Supreme Court of India dissolved the AIFF in May and appointed a three-member committee to govern the game, amend the constitution of AIFF and hold elections pending for 18 months. This is the reason why FIFA had to decide on suspension.
This suspension of FIFA has dealt the biggest shock to India and the host of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in October has been taken away from it. The event was to be held between 11-30 October. It is not that only India has hosted the Under-17 World Cup, but apart from this, India’s men’s and women’s teams will not be able to participate in any international matches as long as this suspension is in place.
In addition, with the effect of this decision, Indian football clubs will not be able to participate in competitions such as the AFC Women’s Club Championship and the FC Cup, and AFC Championships. However, this suspension will result in domestic tournaments such as the Indian Football Club. There will be no impact on Super League (ISL) and I-League. These tournaments will be held as per their schedule.
However, AIFF may soon get rid of this suspension. Because earlier this month, an Indian court ordered the elections to be held immediately and said the elected committee would be an interim body for three months.
The elections to the AIFF, formerly under the leadership of FIFA Council member Praful Patel, were to be held by December 2020 but were delayed due to a deadlock over amendments to its constitution, for which the Football Association of India had to bear the brunt.
