India FIFA ban possible as AIFF faces October 30 deadline to adopt new constitution or risk suspension from international football
India FIFA ban fears have resurfaced after FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to adopt a new constitution by October 30 or face suspension.
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In a joint letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the governing bodies expressed “profound concern” at the long delay in finalising the document, which has been stuck in India’s Supreme Court since 2017.
“Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body,” the letter warned, stressing that the directive is binding.
A suspension would block India’s national teams and clubs from all international competitions a repeat of the 2022 crisis when FIFA banned India briefly over third-party interference before reinstating membership days later.
The situation is compounded by turmoil in domestic football. The Indian Super League (ISL) is on the brink of collapse following disputes between the AIFF and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited.
With this season’s kickoff delayed and a rights deal expiring on December 8, thousands of players and staff risk losing jobs.
Players’ union FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has already raised the matter with FIFA, calling for urgent action to protect the sport and livelihoods.
Also read: ‘It is official’ FIFA suspends Pakistan Football Federation, others over government interference
As the October 30 deadline approaches, the future of Indian football hangs in the balance, with FIFA’s patience wearing thin.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
