Report: FIFA, AFC set strict deadlines for AIFF to avoid ban

The CoA have also been asked to ensure a new administration is in place within September 15.

Last month India risked facing a ban from FIFA due to a violation of their statutes. Owing to the saga that began after the AIFF did not hold elections to appoint a new president within its set timeframe. This led to the Supreme Court ousting the Praful Patel-led dispensation in the AIFF. And eventually, appoint a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to frame a new constitution and hold elections for a new set of office-bearers. 

But instead of imposing an immediate ban, FIFA decided to dispatch a delegation to the country. Ahead of the first meeting, on Tuesday, FIFA and AFC were convinced that the appointment of CoA amounted to external interference. Consequently, it breached their regulations and were close to imposing a ban on India. 

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“However, after the meetings, they realised that the state associations were all on the same page and happy with the CoA,” said a source to The Indian Express. “The CoA, too, has assured they will cooperate with FIFA and AFC and finalise the constitution within the set timeline.” 

Takeaways from the meeting

FIFA wants enough time for the new office bearers to prepare for the U-17 Women's World Cup. To mark that, September 15 is the deadline for elections. So the elected office bearers can take charge by September 20.

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Now the ball is in CoA’s court to help AIFF get a new constitution approved. A Special Body General Meeting was called within seven days of approval by the Supreme Court. The meeting, attended by 35 state associations, passed a resolution to hold the AIFF elections within 30 days of the approval of the constitution by the General Body, instead of 50 days.

On its part, the CoA will collect all the suggestions/submissions from the stakeholders by June 30. And it will prepare a draft constitution by July 7. The draft will be circulated to invite objections. So that the final proposed constitution will be ready by July 15. And in time they can meet the 38 days limit to avoid a ban from World Football.

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