FIFA Issues Stern Warning to Indian Football: Adopt New Constitution or Face Suspension

FIFA has issued a stern warning to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), urging the adoption of a new constitution to avoid suspension from international football activities. This demand was communicated through a detailed letter addressed to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

Concerns Raised by FIFA

FIFA expressed profound concern over the delay in finalizing AIFF’s constitution, an issue that has been pending since 2017 in India’s Supreme Court. The current governance structure fails to meet FIFA’s rules, and failure to comply may result in AIFF’s suspension, affecting Indian teams and clubs’ participation in global competitions.

Issues with AIFF’s Current Constitution

The existing constitution has faced criticism for governance lapses. The Supreme Court has been involved in reviewing necessary reforms aimed at ensuring:

• Transparency
• Accountability

However, AIFF has yet to submit an approved and finalized version of the constitution.

Implications of Suspension

A suspension would have severe consequences on Indian football, including:

1. Bar from FIFA and AFC international tournaments.
2. Restriction on funding and development initiatives.
3. Negative impact on talent growth and fan engagement in India.

AIFF’s Response and Outlook

Kalyan Chaubey, recently appointed AIFF president, has expressed commitment to:

• Align the new constitution with FIFA regulations and court directives.
• Ensure timely adoption of reforms to protect Indian football’s integrity.

However, the deadline set by FIFA is fast approaching, raising pressure to meet these demands promptly.

Reactions and Future Prospects

The football community in India has expressed mixed reactions:

• Many emphasize the urgency of resolving the constitutional issue.
• Concerns remain regarding potential suspension’s impact on players, tournaments, and overall football development.

The coming weeks are critical as AIFF’s decision will significantly influence Indian football’s future and its standing in international football governance.

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