FIFA has suspended All India Football Federation with immediate effect due to influence from third parties, the sport’s governing body said in a statement on Monday.
“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 statement said.
“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once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF executive committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.”
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What does ban mean for Indian football?
India will not be able to host the Under-17 Women’s World Cup which is scheduled to take place from October 11 to 30.
The Under-17 Women’s World Cup “cannot currently be held in India as planned,” FIFA said.
“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 ban also means that national teams cannot play international matches, at all age levels. Clubs will also not be allowed to take part in AFC Women Club Championship, AFC Cup and AFC Champions League competitions.
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The FIFA moves comes days after the Supreme Court of India’s order for the federation to hold elections for office bearers.
Indian football team skipper Sunil Chettri when recently asked about AIFF’s potential suspension said that he has advised his teammates to focus on the game and not worry about it.
“I’ve spoken to the boys and my advice is to not give it too much attention to this because it is out of your control. People who are involved are doing their best to make sure that we are going to come out with the best results possible. Everyone is working hard towards it,” Chettri had said.
