Explained: Why has FIFA banned India and what happens to Indian football now?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: Why has FIFA banned India and what happens to Indian football now?” published in Indian Express on 17th August 2022.

What is the News?

FIFA has announced the suspension of the All India Football Federation(AIFF) for undue influence from third parties.

Background: The problems for Indian football began after the erstwhile AIFF president refused to quit his post as the head of football in the country.

After this, the Supreme Court intervened and removed the president from his post. The SC also appointed a Committee of Administrators(COA) to run the AIFF.

Why did FIFA suspend AIFF?

AIFF has been suspended on following grounds:

Third Party Interference: It refers to a situation in which a member association of FIFA fails to remain independent, is co-opted, and no longer has control over its organization. In this case, the SC’s diktat to the COA to run the AIFF was a textbook case of third-party interference.

Deviations in the roadmap of COA: The COA has made major changes to AIFF constitution. Principle among them was the decision to include 36 eminent players in the electoral college, i.e. 50% of 72 total voters, for the purposes of voting in the AIFF elections.

– FIFA wanted the eminent players’ representation to be limited to 25% of the electoral college.

What are the implications of the ban?

National teams and clubs banned from any international competition: The Indian national teams – senior and junior, men’s and women’s cannot take part in any AFC or FIFA-affiliated matches or tournaments till the suspension is lifted.

No U17 Women’s World Cup in India: The U-17 Women’s World Cup was scheduled to be held in India in 2022. But this ban would lead to India losing the hosting rights to the Women’s World Cup. However, the damage can be undone if the ban is lifted fast enough. 

How can the ban be lifted?

FIFA has said that two main concerns need to be addressed in order for the ban to be lifted. 

First, the mandate of the COA would have to be repealed in full.

Second, the AIFF administration would need to be completely in charge of its day-to-day running once again.