FIFA suspends AIFF, highlights: why has FIFA banned India; under-17 Women’s World Cup in doubt

FIFA bans AIFF: Get all live updates here on FIFA’s suspension of AIFF due to “third party intervention”. FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India between 11 - 30 October, cannot be held in India anymore.

FIFA announced the suspension of the All India Football Federation late on Monday evening. | Photo Credit: PTI

Hello and welcome to the live coverage from Sportstar as we bring all the updates on FIFA banning AIFF due to third party interference.

What happened?

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation ( AIFF) with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes.

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once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.

FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved

Timeline of events:

What is this third party interference FIFA has noted?

Simply put, FIFA sees the court-appointed committee of administrators having a say in the running of Indian football as third party interference.

FIFA says it’s “not a prudent idea” to have equal number of eminent players alongside the state association representatives in the electoral college. The draft constitution submitted by the CoA to the Supreme Court states the electoral college will have representatives from 36 state associations and 36 eminent football players from all over India — 24 male and 12 female. The world body is okay with the executive committee having 25 per cent former players as Co-opted members. \

Incidentally, Wednesday is the last date to file nominations for the AIFF president’s post. Also, there will be a Supreme Court hearing in the ongoing matter on Wednesday.

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia reacts to FIFA banning AIFF@bhaichung15 I #AIFF I #FIFApic.twitter.com/WvoCo9OMRn

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Hosting rights of FIFA U-17 World Cup in jeopardy

The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India on 11-30 October 2022, cannot currently be held in India as planned.

FIFA is assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary.

What does FIFA ban mean for Indian football

During the course of the suspension, any domestic tournaments being conducted will not be recognised by either the AFC or FIFA.

The national teams will not be allowed to participate in any international tournaments

Gokulam Kerala FC cannot participate in the AFC Women's Club Championship next week

Senior National Team cannot participate in the SAFF Women's Championship next month

ATK Mohun Bagan’s AFC Cup fixture on September 7 is also doubtful now