On Tuesday, the world Football governing body FIFA suspended India for undue influence from third parties, in a major setback and embarrassment for the country, and said the U-17 Women’s World Cup cannot be held in India as scheduled. The country is scheduled to host its first FIFA event from October 11-30. However, this is the first time the All India Football Federation has been banned by FIFA in its 85 years of history.
FIFA stated, “The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties. Once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed, the suspension will be lifted and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.”
A three-member committee of Administrators has been appointed by the court, chaired by former apex court judge AR Dave, to manage the affairs of the national federation. FIFA said it is in touch with the sports ministry on the issue and has kept a window open for India.
The poll procedure commenced on August 13 as the top court approved the timeline prepared by the Committee of Administrators. Sources say that FIFA repeated its stand to the sports ministry on Monday and issued the statement to ban India after that.