Supreme Court Clears Kalyan Chaubey-Led AIFF EC To Continue Till End Of Term

The Supreme Court has given the green light for the current All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee, headed by president Kalyan Chaubey, to continue till the end of its term in September

2025.

In an order dated October 15, a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi clarified two contentious provisions of the AIFF’s draft constitution, settling weeks of uncertainty over the federation’s governance structure.

The apex court ruled that the AIFF need not adopt Article 23.3, which would have required Supreme Court approval for any future amendments to its constitution.

However, it directed the national body to adopt within three weeks Articles 25.3(c) and (d) — clauses that bar office-bearers from holding dual posts in both the AIFF and their respective state associations.

“We permitted the present executive to continue till the end of its term in order to ensure minimal disruption to already delayed sporting events,” the bench said.

“In the same line, and to subserve the same purpose, we direct AIFF to adopt Articles 25.3(c) and (d) within three weeks from today. These Articles shall be retained and will, however, come into effect after the present executive demits office.”

The court rejected AIFF’s plea that banning dual posts would deprive the federation of “experienced personnel,” calling the argument speculative.

“No credible data has been placed before us to sustain such apprehension,” the judges noted. “These provisions are not in conflict with any law, regulation, or the FIFA Charter.”

The bench also said that both the constitution and its provisions will be governed by the forthcoming National Sports Governance Act, 2025, expected to come into force within two months.

The decision came after the AIFF, during its Special General Body Meeting on October 12, adopted the Supreme Court–approved draft constitution but withheld Articles 23.3 and 25.3(c)-(d), pending judicial clarification.

The AIFF had sought relief fearing that enforcing the dual-post ban would force several of its executive committee members to resign.

The Supreme Court’s latest order effectively upholds governance reform while ensuring administrative continuity in Indian football — at least until Chaubey’s term ends next year.

(with PTI inputs)