FIFA suspends All India Football Federation (AIFF)

Tags: Sports Sports News

World football governing body FIFA has suspended the Football Federation of India (AIFF) with immediate effect due to third party interference.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• The decision was taken unanimously by the Bureau of the FIFA Council.

• The suspension has been decided due to undue influence of third parties, which is a serious violation of FIFA law.

• The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022, to be held in India from 11-30 October 2022, will not take place in India as planned.

• India's Supreme Court in May dissolved the AIFF and appointed a three-member committee to govern the sport, amend the AIFF's constitution and hold elections pending for 18 months.

• FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation sent a team led by AFC Secretary General Windsor John to meet the stakeholders of Indian football.

• A roadmap was prepared by the team for the AIFF to amend the rules by the end of July and conclude the elections by 15 September.

• Earlier, FIFA had threatened to suspend the Football Federation of India for third party interference.

How can the ban be lifted?

• FIFA said the lifting of the ban needed to address two main concerns.

• The mandate of the CoA has to be completely repealed.

• To gain complete control over the day-to-day affairs of the AIFF administration.

Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) :

• It was established on May 21, 1904, by seven national associations — Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

• It is the highest governing body of football in the world.

• It is a non-profit organisation.

• It regulates football and promotes football around the world.

• It is modernising football to be global, accessible and inclusive in all aspects.

• FIFA currently consists of 211 member countries. It is headquartered in Zurich and its current president is Gianni Infantino.