Indian football is once again facing a major crisis as FIFA, the world governing body for the sport, has issued a final warning to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The ultimatum, sent in a joint letter with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), demands that the AIFF adopt and ratify its new constitution by October 30, 2025, or face a potential suspension from all international competitions.
The Details of FIFA’s Directives
The letter, addressed to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, expresses “profound concern” over the federation’s prolonged failure to finalize and implement the revised constitution. This matter has been pending in the Supreme Court of India since 2017. The governing bodies have given three specific directives: secure a definitive Supreme Court order approving the constitution, ensure it aligns fully with FIFA and AFC statutes, and obtain formal ratification at the next AIFF General Meeting.
Potential Consequences for Indian Football
A suspension would be a devastating blow to Indian football. It would not only bar national teams and clubs from participating in international tournaments but could also jeopardize India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred; FIFA previously suspended the AIFF in August 2022 for “third-party interference” after a court-appointed committee took over the federation’s affairs. That ban was lifted just 10 days later.
The current impasse has also created a governance crisis, leaving the domestic football calendar and commercial partnerships in a state of uncertainty. With the October 30 deadline looming and a Supreme Court hearing on the matter scheduled for tomorrow, all eyes are on the AIFF as it races against time to resolve the issue and avert a second ban in three years.
