FIFA bans AIFF: The entire timeline of events that led to big step

Published at :August 16, 2022 at 6:22 PM

Modified at :August 22, 2022 at 10:21 PM

The federation was given enough time to mend its ways but failed to fall in line.

FIFA has imposed a ban on AIFF on the 16th of August, 2022, due to third-party interference of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) appointed by the Supreme Court, after the apex court suspended the AIFF governing body. The governing body was suspended since it broke the National Sports Code rules, which stated a person cannot hold power for more than three terms of four years each.

The AIFF should have conducted fresh elections in December, 2020. But, due to certain reasons, it couldn’t be done. As a result, the entire AIFF saga along with the Committee of Administrators took place. Here’s the entire timeline for you.

May 18

The Supreme Court of India suspended the existing AIFF executive committee (also mentioned they would continue in a consultative role) and appointed a Committee of Administrators to run the daily affairs of the AIFF. The committee comprised Justice Anil R Dave, retired Supreme Court judge, Dr. SY Qureshi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India and former national team captain Bhaskar Ganguly.

June 20-24

FIFA-AFC joint delegation arrived in India. The delegates held meetings with former AIFF president Praful Patel and were also supposed to meet India’s sports minister Anurag Thakur. The outcome of the meetings and the observation were positive, as per reports. The apex body of world football also issued an ultimatum and stated that the constitution should be in place within 31st July. Else, India may face a ban.

July 1

A joint letter was sent from FIFA-AFC where they addressed the roadmap agreed by AIFF and other meeting participants.

July 15

The Committee of Administrators submitted the draft constitution to the Supreme Court so that it can be approved by the apex body.

July 25

The problem starts. FIFA-AFC again jointly issue a letter stating that they won’t entertain eminent players being a part of the governing body. The continental and world body suggested to onboard the players as co-opted members instead.

July 28

CoA appointed Senior Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan presented to the court that AIFF still doesn’t have a list of players.

August 3

The ignition of the ‘FIFA ban’ fire took the greatest turn on this day. The Supreme Court allowed the inclusion of eminent players in the governing body. Also, it was stated that the general body will elect the AIFF executive committee as per the deadline mentioned by FIFA, 15th September.

August 5

The fire started spreading. FIFA-AFC sent a joint letter signed by General Secretaries of both parties, Fatma Samoura (FIFA) and Datuk Windsor John (AFC). They mentioned clearly that the roadmap which was signed on July 1 hasn’t been followed and the Supreme Court’s order has allegedly deviated from the same.

Full coverage of FIFA ban on AIFF

August 7

FIFA declared that India could be banned within a week. Many state FAs claimed that facts have been misrepresented hence a review petition was filed.

August 8

The drama takes a different turn. This time the CoA sends a letter and assures them that everything is in order. The newly appointed body will also work independently and CoA will not interfere with it. In the same letter, CoA smashed Praful Patel and filed a contempt of court case against him because of his interference.

August 10

Sports Ministry of India seek clarity from Supreme Court regarding the grant of voting rights to players at the AIFF elections.

FIFA-AFC have strong reservations about the AIFF membership structure.

August 16

FIFA imposes ban on the All India Football Federation. This in return affects not only the national team, but AIFF themselves, clubs for their continental competitions, strips the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup hosting rights and much more.