FIFA bans India; What does it mean for Indian football team-

New Delhi, Aug 16: In a huge setback to the Indian football team, FIFA has suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect citing "undue influence from third parties".

 

In a statement, FIFA said, "The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes."

 

The international football governing body said that the suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.

 

 

The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India on 11-30 October 2022, cannot currently be held in India as planned. Apart from this, India will not feature in any international football matches against other countries. The Indian men’s and women’s national teams, alongside the teams even at the age-group level will be banned from participation in international events.

 

At the same time, football clubs from India will not be able to participate in AFC Women Club Championship, AFC Cup, and AFC Champions League tournaments. However, Indian club competitions like the Indian Super League and I-League will not be affected by the ban and will continue as scheduled originally. However, the biggest upset for India will not be playing in the 2023 AFC Cup Qualifiers. India have already qualified for the tournament, but the ban will now prevent the team from making no international appearances.

 

"FIFA is assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary. FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved," the statement added.

 

This comes after FIFA sent out several notices to AIFF. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of India decided that 36 state federation members and 36 players would elect an AIFF Executive Committee by August 29 to escape the ban by FIFA. However, the proceedings were delayed after the referred to a letter by FIFA and Asia Football Confederation (AFC) on August 5, suggesting the court’s decision violates the roadmap agreed upon by FIFA and the Indian football governing body.