The All India Football Federation (AIFF), India’s top football administrative body, has recently been suspended by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) due to undue third-party influence. This suspension resulted in India losing its rights to host the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, originally scheduled from October 11-30.
Understanding FIFA
The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the premier governing authority for football worldwide, and it also supervises association football, futsal, and beach soccer. A non-profit organization, FIFA was established in 1904, aiming to manage international competition among eight national associations – Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Today, FIFA includes 211 member nations and its headquarters are located in Zurich.
FIFA’s key objective is to proliferate football globally while fostering integrity and fair play. The organization oversees the execution and promotion of international tournaments such as the men’s World Cup (since 1930) and the women’s World Cup (from 1991). FIFA is aligned with the International Olympic Committee and is a part of the International Football Association Board that regulates football rules.
FIFA’s regional affiliations include: The Asian Football Confederation (governing Asia and Australia), Confederation of African Football, Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, South America’s Confederation Sudamericana de Fútbol, Oceania Football Federation including New Zealand, and the Union of European Football Associations which governs Europe.
The All-India Football Federation
The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) is responsible for managing association football in India. Established in 1937 and affiliated with FIFA since 1948 post India’s independence, AIFF controls the India national football team, the I-League (India’s premier domestic club competition), among other teams and contests.
Today, AIFF’s office is located in New Delhi, Dwarka. In 1954, India was among the founding members of the Asian Football Confederation.
Reason for FIFA’s Suspension of AIFF
AIFF President Praful Patel’s refusal to step down from his position incited the suspension. Patel cited the ongoing pandemic and a court case regarding the AIFF constitution as reasons for staying. However, despite mounting concerns about AIFF’s operations, the Supreme Court of India ousted Patel from his post and designated a Committee of Administrators (COA) to control AIFF. According to FIFA statutes, member federations must operate independently and avoid political or legal interference. This third-party intervention led to the AIFF’s suspension.
Implications of the Suspension on India
The suspension prohibits all national and club teams across all age groups from participating in international football. In addition, it affects international transfers and prevents AIFF officials from partaking in any courses or development programs. Essentially, the ban restricts all football-related activities outside India. Nonetheless, domestic leagues and transfers within India can proceed.
The Path to Revoking the Ban
According to FIFA, lifting the AIFF’s ban requires adherence to specific directives. Firstly, the mandates of the COA need to be entirely rescinded. Subsequently, the AIFF administration must regain full control of its daily operations. Also, AIFF’s constitution needs to be revised in accordance with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation’s policies. Finally, elections have to be held based on the current AIFF membership structure tied to state associations.