New Delhi: India was on Tuesday suspended by world governing body FIFA for “undue influence from third parties” and stripped of the right to host the U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in October.
This is the first time that FIFA has banned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) 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 for undue influence of third parties, which is a serious violation of the FIFA Rules,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Once the order to constitute a Committee of Administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee is revoked, the suspension will be lifted and the AIFF Administration will gain full control over the day-to-day affairs of the AIFF.” On May 18, the Supreme Court had removed Praful Patel from the post of AIFF president for not holding elections in December 2020 and a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) headed by former apex court judge AR Dave to manage the affairs. was appointed. AIFF.
The CoA also had to make its constitution in line with the National Sports Code and model guidelines.
FIFA however is not closing all options for India as it said it is in talks with the spot ministry and is expecting a positive outcome for the women’s age-group showpiece event.
“The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, which is scheduled to take place in India from 11-30 October 2022, cannot be held as planned in India at present. FIFA is assessing next steps regarding the tournament and will refer the matter to the Council’s Bureau, if necessary.
“FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and hopes that a positive outcome of the case can still be achieved.” On 5 August, days after the Supreme Court’s directive to hold national federation elections, FIFA threatened to suspend the AIFF and take away its right to host the Women’s Under-17 World Cup.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the executive committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to conduct elections as per the schedule proposed by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), which is currently running the affairs of the national federation.
The elections are to be held on August 28 and the election process began on August 13, as the apex court had cleared the timeline framed by the CoA. -PTI
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