On the conclusion of its 3 day visit of the country, the team, led by AFC General Secretary Windsor John, made it clear that the deadlines will have to be followed strictly
The visiting FIFA on Thursday is set deadlines, asking stakeholders to clean up Indian football’s mess by completing elections on September 15. If these are not completed, the entire nation can be suspended.
The Asia Football Confederation reminded FIFA that its deadline for submitting the list of host cities will have to be followed strictly. As a clear warning, they said that those who fail to do so will not cooperate with FIFA.
U-17 World Cup rights at stake
A FIFA suspension would prevent the nation from hosting the Women’s U-17 World Cup, which is scheduled for October.
“It has been made clear by the joint FIFA-AFC team that the deadlines will have to be strictly adhered to. If not, the country can be banned and U-17 Women’s World Cup will be taken away,”
A top source, who is privy to the discussions, told PTI on condition of anonymity.
FIFA wants enough time for the new office bearers to prepare for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, that is why the September 15 deadline for elections so that the elected office bearers can take charge by September 20.
“Now, the ball is in the CoA’s court to help the new constitution of the AIFF get approved by July 31. The state associations have also pledged all possible help.”
Supreme Court intervention
The Praful Patel-led AIFF administration was overthrown by the Supreme Court last month, and a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) was established to draught a new constitution and organise elections for new office holders.
The following hearing or date is July 21. (though it is written July 23 on docket). The new constitution is anticipated to be approved within seven days of the Supreme Court giving its approval.
Special General Body Meeting
In the morning, the state associations agreed to call a special general body meeting within seven days of the SC’s decision.
A state association official said,
“We have passed a resolution to call a General Body Meeting within seven days of SC approval of the constitution. Ultimately, the General Body will have to approve the new constitution, otherwise it (constitution) will not be a valid document,”
“After that we have to send it to FIFA for final approval.”
A proposal to hold the AIFF elections 30 days rather than 50 days after the General Body approves the constitution was also adopted at the meeting, which was attended by 35 state associations.
The state official said,
“We had to pass the resolution to hold elections within 30 days because of the short time line. If we set 50 days, it will be difficult to hold elections on September 15,”
The CoA will compile all stakeholder submissions/suggestions by June 30 and create a draught constitution by July 7 on its end. The final proposed constitution will be ready by July 15 once the draught has been distributed to gather comments.
“The CoA feels that if the objections are raised later on, there could be delays and it could be difficult to meet the deadlines.”
The I-League and ISL club representatives were introduced to the visiting team. It also met with FSDL, the ISL’s organisers. Later, it had a meeting with each of the parties involved. The delegation met the CoA for the second time at this meeting.
