FIFA Suspends All India Football Federation Due To Undue Influence From Third Parties

FIFA is also assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Tuesday announced that it has decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Indian football governing body, with immediate effect and the decision was taken unanimously by the Bureau of the FIFA Council.

The reason behind the decision is said to be undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes.

“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,” read an official media release, issued by FIFA.

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The body further 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once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.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,” the statement added.

FIFA is also assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary.

Stating that FIFA is in contact with India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the statement 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,” stated the release.