Indian football faces another possible suspension from FIFA after the world body accused the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of failing to adopt its new constitution. FIFA reminded AIFF and its president Kalyan Chaubey that the federation is “obligated to manage its affairs independently and without interference from any third-party or government body.”
This warning is a repeat of 2022, when FIFA suspended AIFF after the Supreme Court handed its control to a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) following the removal of Praful Patel. The suspension was later lifted, but with the Indian Super League (ISL) crisis unfolding and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification at stake, the risk has re-emerged.
FIFA and AFC’s Deadline
According to the Times of India, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have issued a joint letter, signed by FIFA’s chief member associations officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC’s deputy general secretary Vahid Kardany. The letter directs AIFF to secure a Supreme Court verdict on the revised constitution by 30 October and to ratify it in its next general body meeting.
The officials warned that “failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision.” They further stated that if AIFF does not finalise its constitution or continues to function without independence, it “may result in sanctions outlined in the FIFA and AFC Statutes, including the possibility of suspension.”
The letter also told AIFF that the communication should be seen as binding and that “immediate compliance” is required to safeguard its rights as a member of FIFA and AFC.
Also Read: Super Cup to Precede Delayed ISL Season as AIFF Scrambles for Stability
Impact on Indian Football
If suspended, India would lose its rights as a FIFA and AFC member, meaning the national team would not be allowed to play in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers or any other FIFA tournaments.
The revised AIFF constitution has been stuck in the Supreme Court since 2017. On 22 August, the court said its judgment on the matter is “ready” but is being withheld so that the constitution can align with the upcoming National Sports Governance Bill 2025.
