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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in a big mess and is on the verge of facing a ban from the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA). In the same light, the global football governing body has set deadlines for AIFF to get things back on track else they will be banned.
Reports have claimed that FIFA has set July 15 as the deadline for AIFF Constitution approval and September 15 as the deadline for elections. The international association has also issued a stern warning that failure to meet the deadlines would mean a ban on AIFF. The Press Trust of India has reported that the visiting FIFA-AFC team has asked the stakeholders to get the constitution of the national federation approved by July 31 and conduct elections by September 15.
"It has been made clear by the joint FIFA-AFC team that the deadlines will have to be strictly adhered to. If not, the country can be banned and the U-17 Women's World Cup will be taken away," a top source, who is privy to the discussions, told PTI on condition of anonymity.
"The FIFA wants enough time for the new office bearers to prepare for the U-17 Women's World Cup, that is why the September 15 deadline for elections so that the elected office bearers can take charge by September 20. "Now, the ball is in the CoA's court to help the new constitution of the AIFF get approved by July 31. The state associations have also pledged all possible help,” the source added.
Notably, the Supreme Court of India appointed a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to frame a new constitution and hold elections for a new set of office-bearers. The next hearing date is July 21. Once the top judicial body gives a green signal, the new constitution is expected to be approved within seven days.
In case, AIFF fails to meet the deadline set by the world governing body, a ban will be imposed on the sports federation and resultantly, the hosting rights for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be taken away from AIFF.