Recently, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) met the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and Indian state football associations’ members. Here we are discussing about the key points from this meeting.
Indian football is currently going through a tough time as Praful Patel-led the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee was dissolved due to violation of the government’s sports code and other statutes.
After the dissolve, the Supreme Court appointed a three-member CoA, led by the former SC Judge Justice Anil R Dave. The former Chief Election Commissioner IAS Dr S.Y Qureshi and former Indian national football team captain Bhaskar Ganguly are the other names in this Committee of Administrators.
CoA is currently taking care of AIFF’s daily affairs. As the FIFA has strict restriction about the involvement of third-party interference in the functioning of the governing body, many believe that the AIFF is close to face a ban from the international governing body of association football.
After circulating the draft of AIFF Constitution to all the stakeholders, the stakeholders can send their any objections and suggestions to CoA counsel Samar Bansal by 30th June 2022. The CoA will consider the objections and suggestions before setting up the final draft of AIFF Constitution and submitting it to the SC by 15th July 2022.
Here we are talking about the key points after the meeting of FIFA, AFC, CoA and Indian state football associations’ members
Deadline for Special General Body Meeting and election
Once the new constitution comes into force, AIFF elections require setting up the new leadership team. FIFA and AFC have set up the deadline for the AIFF Special General Body Meeting by 5th August 2022 and Presidential election by 15th September 2022.
The failure of AIFF election before the deadline can force the Indian football governing body to face a ban from FIFA.
Key effects due to the FIFA ban, hosting FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and participating AFC Asian Cup 2023 both are in danger
If FIFA bans India, the national football teams can’t play any official international match till the ban lifted. FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup hosting rights will be taken away while India can also miss the AFC Asian Cup 2023 despite qualifying in the tournament. The country will face the same restrictions in the AFC club football competitions.
Moreover, India may also have to stop the domestic football season if FIFA bans the AIFF. So, apart from affecting present Indian football, this can also massively hurt country’s football future.
Promotion and relegation in domestic football
During this important meeting, many I-League and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs’ representatives were also present. While the ISL is now set to be the only top-tier league in Indian football system (senior men), and I-League is ready to run as the second tier league of the same system, the clarification about promotion and relegation is very important.
According to media reports, ISL is ready to welcome the promotion from the I-League to ISL from the upcoming season (2022/23). However, the relegation from ISL to I-League is likely have to wait longer period. The roadmap of Indian football for the future suggests that the ISL can start their relegation from the 2024/25 seasons as we may have to wait for two more seasons.
