Highlights:
- The Indian Football Association, led by the Supreme Court-appointed CoA, was suspended by FIFA.
- AIFF is in turmoil due to its former leader Praful Patel serving past the expiration of his mandate.
- The U17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to commence on October 11th.
Praful Patel was removed from his position as AIFF president on May 18 by the Supreme Court for failing to hold elections scheduled in December 2020. A three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA), led by former Chief Justice AR Dave, was appointed by the Court to oversee AIFF operations.
The decision to suspend the AIFF was taken simultaneously when the Supreme Court of India ordered swift elections for the executive committee of the country’s football governing body after hearing a petition filed by the CoA earlier this month alleging interference from the former AIFF President, Praful Patel; and others.
On July 21, 2022, the Supreme Court mentioned that India would host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Furthermore, FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) had directed the CoA to conduct the inaugural ceremonies of the tournament under the AIFF.
India’s hopes of hosting the U17 Women’s World Cup in October have faced a severe setback by FIFA’s suspension of AIFF. In a statement, FIFA declared that India is presently refrained from hosting the competition but added that it is actively pursuing a favourable resolution with the Ministry of Sports.
Congratulations @IndianFootball for getting #suspended by #FIFA due to petty politics by worthless political interference into the federation…Its a disgrace we are loosing out on hosting the FIFA U17 Women’s world cup & doubtful of even playing the AFC asian cup 2023 as well. pic.twitter.com/u0F5gmZCez
— SANDEEP S?? (@itssandeep_s) August 15, 2022
The U17 Women’s World Cup from October 11 to October 30 was scheduled to be held in 2021 and was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, slated to take place in India from October 11–30, 2022, cannot currently be hosted in India as scheduled due to the ban. FIFA said that it is analysing the tournament’s subsequent measures and, if and when appropriate, will refer the issue to the Bureau of the Council. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and FIFA are in regular, productive touch, and FIFA expressed optimism that the matter could still have a favourable outcome.
Adding to the potential loss of the privilege to host the competition, the Indian national team will be restricted from competing in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. Furthermore, neither the AFC nor FIFA will recognise domestic league games, and Indian teams won’t be allowed to compete in AFC events until FIFA lifts the suspension.