The Supreme Court of India has asked the central government to take some “proactive steps” with the World governing body of football, FIFA, to ensure that the suspension of the AIFF (All India Football Federation) is lifted and the country is allowed to host the U-17 Women’s Football World Cup as planned earlier.
“Solicitor General has informed the court that government of India is in active engagement with FIFA and stakeholders to ensure Under-17 World Cup in the country as planned. The meeting happened on Tuesday and discussions are ongoing. We request the Centre to take proactive measures to ensure holding of Under-17 world cup and lift the suspension on AIFF so the objective is duly achieved.” said by Justices DY Chandrachud, AS Bopanna and JB Pardiwala for AIFF on the request of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, in appearance for the centre.
With the discussion and talks in the hearing, Solicitor General has informed the court that the Central government has taken the issue forward with FIFA in context to AIFF’s suspension.
Yesterday itself government took it up as an issue. We had two meetings with FIFA. We have reached a stage. I must also say that the Committee of Administrators (CoA) has played a very constructive role. There is some breaking of the ice which has taken place. I am requesting if this can be kept on Monday,” said Tushar Mehta.
The Centre had mentioned on Tuesday that the decision of the FIFA Council suspending the AIFF with immediate effect, which has stripped India’s right to host the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which was scheduled in October.
FIFA, announced on Tuesday that it has decided to suspend the AIFF with immediate effect and the decision was taken unanimously by the Bureau of the FIFA Council. The decision has been taken due to “undue influence from third parties”, which is a serious violation in the FIFA Statues.
However, FIFA has claimed that the suspension will be revoked once the order appointing the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee is repealed.
