In a shocking development, the world football governing body FIFA has suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect due to 'third part influence' on August 16 (Tuesday). The suspension has also led to India being ineligible to host the Under-17 Women's World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in India from October 11-30.
Earlier, India's highest court had disbanded the AIFF in May and appointed a three-member committee to govern the sport in India. The Supreme Court had also amended the AIFF's constitution and directives were released to conduct fresh elections but it has been pending for 18 months.
While suspending the All India Football Federation, FIFA claimed that the suspension will be lifted once AIFF administrator regains full control of the AIFF's daily affairs. "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once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AAIFF administration takes full charge of the AIFF's work," read the FIFA's statement.
Earlier, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation sent a team led by AFC general secretary Windsor John to discuss the situation of the sport in India with the relevant stakeholders and laid down the roadmap to amend its norms by the end of July and subsequently conclude elections at the latest by September 15.
"FIFA is in constant touch with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved," FIFA added. Notably, this is not the first time when FIFA has suspended any national associations over a similar case as its statutes clearly state that member federations must be free from legal and political interference in their respective countries.