The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of two controversial clauses in its newly approved draft constitution, potentially delaying the adoption process ahead of FIFA’s October 30 deadline.
The top court, which had approved the draft on September 19, will hear the AIFF’s plea on Friday. The draft constitution, prepared by former Supreme Court judge L. Nageswara Rao, was endorsed with modifications and directed to be adopted by the AIFF within four weeks.
A senior AIFF source confirmed to PTI, “The AIFF’s counsel made a mention before the same bench that approved the draft. The bench graciously agreed to take up the matter on Friday.”
The Clause Stirring Controversy
At the heart of the dispute lies
Article 25.3(c), which mandates that any person holding an AIFF Executive Committee position cannot simultaneously serve as an office-bearer in a state association. If enforced, the clause would immediately force over a dozen members of the 16-member AIFF Executive Committee to vacate their state posts.
Clause 25.3(c) states:
“In the event a person is elected as an Office-Bearer in the Executive Committee of the AIFF and holds a position of an Office-Bearer in a Member Association, he/she shall automatically be deemed to have vacated his/her position in the Member Association.”
This clause, originally introduced by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) led by former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, was reinstated by the Supreme Court after several stakeholders urged its inclusion.
A Conflict of Interest — Or Just Conflict?
The clause aims to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure cleaner governance. However, its enforcement could cause a leadership vacuum, as most AIFF officials are deeply embedded in their respective state units — many serving as presidents or secretaries.
Officials facing the dilemma may choose to retain their state roles, especially with AIFF elections less than a year away.
Second Clause Under Review
The AIFF has also requested the Supreme Court to review Article 23.3, which deals with amendments to the constitution, seeking more procedural flexibility.
FIFA Deadline Looms
FIFA has made it clear: India must adopt its new constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk suspension, a penalty that could once again jeopardize international participation and hosting rights.
The AIFF has called a Special General Meeting (SGM) for Sunday in New Delhi to adopt the draft constitution in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling — though that meeting may now hinge on the outcome of Friday’s hearing.
(with PTI inputs)
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