• SC tells Centre to take proactive steps to lift AIFF suspension, Ensure hosting U-17 World Cup

    National
    SC tells Centre to take proactive steps to lift AIFF suspension, Ensure hosting U-17 World Cup
    The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been suspended with immediate effect by the FIFA Council Bureau owing to improper influence from outside parties, which is a significant violation of the FIFA Statutes.

    Digital Desk: The Supreme Court told the government to take "proactive steps" with FIFA to lift the suspension of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and ensure that India will be allowed to host the Under-17 World Cup on August 17. The AIFF was suspended by FIFA with immediate effect due to "undue influence" from outside parties, which brought about the current case.

    Tushar Mehta, the Centre's solicitor general, said a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, AS Bopanna, and JB Paridwala that two meetings had been held with FIFA in an effort to "break the ice" about the holding of the U-17 Women's World Cup.

    He further disclosed to SC that several variables were being taken into account when deciding how to handle the situation.

    In order for the active stakeholders of the AIFF to reach an agreement, he asked that the topic be tabled until August 22.

    According to SC, who told the Center that it would be beneficial for the athletes, the event should be held in the nation.

    After Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Centre, requested an adjournment, the SC postponed the hearing regarding FIFA's suspension of the AIFF to August 22.

    The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been suspended with immediate effect by the FIFA Council Bureau owing to improper influence from outside parties, which is a significant violation of the FIFA Statutes, a statement released by FIFA said.

    In its 85-year history, FIFA has never before imposed a ban on the AIFF.

    The ban will be lifted once the decision to form a committee of administrators to act as the AIFF Executive Committee's authority has been overturned and the AIFF administration has complete control over the organization's daily operations, according to the world governing body of football.

    The spokesperson added, "The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India from October 11–30, 2022, cannot currently be hosted in India as planned."

    After the SC dismissed Praful Patel as president of the AIFF on May 18 for failing to convene elections that were due in December 2020, a ban on India appeared imminent.

    A three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA), led by former judge AR Dave of the Supreme Court, had been appointed by the court to oversee the business of the national federation.

    The CoA, which also includes former India captain Bhaskar Ganguly and Chief Commissioner of India SY Quraishi, has to draught its constitution in accordance with model rules and the National Sports Code.