FIFA and AFC Warn AIFF of a Ban Due to a Constitution Ratification
In a recent development, the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly issued a warning to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they could face a ban if the revised constitution is not ratified by the Supreme Court in a timely manner. This warning comes as a wake-up call for AIFF, which has been delaying the ratification process for quite some time.
According to a report published on sports.info, FIFA and AFC have asked AIFF to gain the Supreme Court’s definitive approval of the revised constitution, failing which, AIFF could face severe consequences, including a ban from FIFA and AFC’s membership rights. This is a serious warning, as AIFF’s membership in these two organizations is crucial for the country’s football teams to participate in international competitions.
The revised constitution was approved by the AIFF’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2020, but it is yet to be ratified by the Supreme Court. The delay has been attributed to various reasons, including a petition filed by the Indian Women’s Football League (IWFL) against the new constitution. The IWFL had alleged that the new constitution would give more power to the AIFF’s executive committee, compromising the autonomy of the state football associations.
FIFA and AFC have been keeping a close eye on the situation, and their patience seems to be wearing thin. In a statement, FIFA and AFC said, “FIFA and AFC are seeking a swift ratification of the revised constitution by the Supreme Court to ensure the smooth functioning of Indian football and to maintain the unity and integrity of the sport in the country.”
The warning from FIFA and AFC comes as a major setback for AIFF, which has been struggling to reform itself in recent years. The organization has been facing criticism for its governance and financial management, and the delay in ratifying the revised constitution has only added to the woes.
The AIFF’s failure to ratify the constitution could have far-reaching consequences for Indian football. India’s national teams, including the men’s and women’s teams, would be barred from participating in international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. Additionally, Indian clubs would also be prevented from participating in AFC competitions, including the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup.
The Indian football community is also worried about the impact of a potential ban on the grassroots level. The ban would not only affect the national teams but also the state football associations and the clubs, which would be unable to participate in domestic and international competitions.
The delay in ratifying the constitution has also led to a power vacuum in Indian football, with different factions vying for control. The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing dispute between the AIFF and the Indian Women’s Football League (IWFL).
In conclusion, the warning from FIFA and AFC to AIFF should serve as a wake-up call to the Indian football authorities. The delay in ratifying the revised constitution has serious consequences, and it is imperative that AIFF gains the Supreme Court’s definitive approval of the constitution as soon as possible. The Indian football community is eagerly waiting for a resolution to this crisis, and it is hoped that AIFF will take the necessary steps to avoid a ban from FIFA and AFC.
