FIFA suspended the All India Football Federation with immediate effect. FIFA has suspended the Football Federation of India, citing the undue influence of third parties. Not only this, but FIFA has also snatched the hosting of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, to be held in India in October.
FIFA said in its statement that the Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect for “unwarranted interference”. This is a serious violation of FIFA rules.
FIFA has said that the suspension will be lifted after the order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee and the AIFF administration’s full control of day-to-day affairs.
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The FIFA statement said that the suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, to be held in India from 11-30 October 2022, will also not be held. However, FIFA said it was assessing the next steps regarding the tournament and would refer the matter to the Bureau if needed.
FIFA is in constant touch with the Sports Ministry of India and is hopeful that the case can yield positive results.
Earlier this month, FIFA threatened to suspend the AIFF for third-party interference. This warning was given just days after the Supreme Court’s direction to hold elections to the AIFF.
AIFF elections are to be held on August 28. The hearing in this matter is on August 17 in the Supreme Court.