FIFA warns AIFF against third-party interference

Football’s world governing body FIFA has warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they are ‘obliged’ to conduct their affairs without third party interference.

FIFA sent a letter to the AIFF on Friday asking for more details vis-à-vis the Delhi High Court decision to set aside the election of Praful Patel-led office-bearers of the AIFF, held on December 20, 2016.

The Delhi High Court had further observed on October 31 that fresh elections be held within five months as AIFF had violated the Sports Code. The court also nominated former chief election commissioner SY Quraishi to take charge of the affairs of the country’s football body for the time being.

“We can confirm that FIFA has today sent a letter to the AIFF requesting more information about Delhi’s High Court decision as well as the steps that AIFF intends to undertake in this matter,” said a FIFA spokesperson.

“FIFA has also reminded the AIFF that in accordance with art. 14 par. 1 Iet. i) and art‚ 19 of the FIFA Statutes all member associations, including the AIFF, are obliged to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.”

AIFF received a copy of the order and is expected to decide on their future course of action early next week in consultation with their lawyers. If the AIFF does not set its house in order, India could face sanctions from FIFA just like Pakistan, Kuwait and Guatemala, who were suspended for third party interference.

Patel first became acting president of the AIFF for a one-year term after former president Priya Ranjan Das Munshi suffered a cardiac arrest in 2008. However, in October 2009, he became the full-time president and was re-elected in December 2012.

Last year, he was re-elected for a third term while Kushal Das was appointed general secretary.

Then, Das had said that the elections were held as per the spirit of the Sports Code and the guidelines related to age and tenure had been complied with.

NEW DELHI: We can confirm that FIFA has today sent a letter to the AIFF requesting more information about Delhi’s High Court decision. FIFA has also reminded ...that they are obliged to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.