New Delhi: Eventually, what I feared happened. FIFA, the largest body governing football in the world, has banned the All India Football Federation. This simply means that now neither India will be able to host the Women’s Under-17 Football World Cup to be held in October this year nor will its national football team be able to play in any international event.
Why was it banned?
FIFA took this tough decision all Monday night, citing unnecessary interference by third parties. FIFA has said that the suspension will come into force with immediate effect. FIFA said in a statement, “This suspension will be lifted only if the AIFF (All India Football Federation) does not announce its executive committee.” In fact, after the intervention of the Supreme Court, the functioning of football in the country is being looked after by the Committee of Administrators (CoA). FIFA is in constant touch with the Sports Ministry of India and hopes to reach a positive outcome.
All the controversy started with the election
The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) has started the election process. Elections are to be held on August 28. But at the root of all the controversy is Praful Patel, former president of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Congress leader. Praful Patel, who was the civil aviation minister in the UPA government in 2004, was made the president in 2009. He remained the Speaker until the Supreme Court removed him from office in 2022. According to the Sports Code of India, no person can become the President for more than 3 times. Now Praful Patel is not allowing elections to be held in association with state associations.
Sunil Chhetri said don’t pay much attention
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri had advised his fellow players not to pay attention to this two days ago. Advised not to worry too much on the threat of FIFA suspension on Indian football and to continue with your best on the field. Earlier this month, FIFA threatened a ban. “I have spoken to the boys and my advice is don’t focus too much on it as it is something beyond your control,” Chhetri said during a virtual media interaction with his club Bengaluru FC at the start of the new season.
Women’s World Cup to be held in October
India is to host the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup from October 11 to 30. The Durand Cup begins in Kolkata from August 16 with Bengaluru FC taking on Jamshedpur FC on the second day of the tournament. Bengaluru FC have won almost every major national title since their arrival in 2013, so the team will be desperate to have the Durand Cup trophy in their ‘trophy cabinet’.