The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been handed a strict ultimatum by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC): adopt a compliant constitution by October 30 or risk suspension. In a letter sent Tuesday to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and AFC expressed “profound concern” over the prolonged delay in finalising the new governance framework—a process pending since 2017 in the Supreme Court of India.
Despite multiple assurances from the AIFF, FIFA and AFC cautioned that the continued lack of a clear and compliant governance structure has created a “vacuum” and led to “legal uncertainties at the heart of Indian football.” Although the matter has been under the Supreme Court’s consideration since 2017, the federation has yet to take definitive action to resolve it.
Global Football Bodies Issue Final Warning
The letter, jointly signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC’s Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, outlines three urgent steps the AIFF must take to avoid suspension:
- Secure Supreme Court approval for the revised constitution.
- Align the constitution with mandatory FIFA and AFC provisions.
- Formally ratify the constitution at the next AIFF general body meeting.
FIFA and AFC cautioned that if the deadline is missed, they will refer the matter to FIFA’s decision-making body for further action. A suspension would mean a total loss of membership rights, including participation in international tournaments and access to development funds.
Key Demands from FIFA and AFC
FIFA and AFC reiterated that AIFF must function independently, free from third-party influence even from government bodies. This reminder refers back to the 2022 incident when India was briefly suspended after a Supreme Court-appointed committee ran the AIFF, violating FIFA’s rules on autonomy.
This time, the governing bodies are pressing for a definitive and lasting resolution. The AIFF has been instructed to present the FIFA-AFC letter to the Supreme Court and notify the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports without delay.
Suspension Would Threaten India’s Football Future
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for August 28. While the judgment is reportedly ready, the bench has delayed pronouncement to examine how the new National Sports Act may impact the decision. The fate of Indian football now hangs in the balance, with just weeks remaining to avoid a second international suspension in three years.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
