FIFA suspends All India Football Federation due to "undue influence from third parties"

Agencies | New Delhi

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

FIFA, the apex football body on Tuesday announced that it has decided to suspend the All  India Football Federation (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 constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes. "The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All   India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes," stated an official media release, issued by FIFA.

The body also said that the suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF's daily affairs.

"The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India on 11-30 October 2022, cannot currently be held in India as planned," stated the release further.

FIFA is also assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary. "FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved," stated the release.