India faces second FIFA football ban in 3 years

India’s football scene is once again on shaky ground as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of a potential suspension from international football.

In a joint letter addressed to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the global and continental football governing bodies expressed serious concern over the federation’s delay in finalising and adopting a new constitution—an issue that has dragged on for years.

FIFA and the AFC have now set a firm deadline of October 30, stressing that if the AIFF fails to comply, the country could face sanctions, including suspension from all international football activities.

“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,” said the letter, seen by AFP.

“AIFF must regard this communication as binding and requiring immediate compliance to safeguard its rights as a member of FIFA and the AFC,” it added.

The AIFF constitution has been in India’s Supreme Court awaiting a decision since 2017.

A suspension would mean the Indian national teams and clubs being barred from all international competitions.

FIFA previously suspended India in August 2022 for third-party influence after the Supreme Court appointed a committee of administrators to run the AIFF.

The ban was lifted a few days later, paving the way for the AIFF to elect Chaubey.

India’s top-flight club football is currently in disarray.

The Indian Super League (ISL) could fold over a dispute between the AIFF and its commercial partner.

This season’s ISL kickoff has been delayed, with thousands of players and staff in danger of losing their jobs.

A rights agreement between the AIFF and the company that runs the ISL, Football Sports Development Limited, ends on December 8 and is yet to be renewed.

The AIFF has been unable to come up with a revival plan for the ISL, which is usually played between September and April.

Players’ union FIFPRO Asia/Oceania raised the issue with FIFA last week.