Why FIFA might suspend AIFF?

The All India Football Federation is staring at yet another suspension from FIFA if it fails to find a valid legal solution for the mess it has created regarding the AIFF Draft Constitution Case. The Indian football fraternity is going through a tumultuous period as many ISL clubs have shut down operations temporarily, and there is no clarity on whether the ISL will take place or not. To make things even worse, the AIFF might face yet another suspension from FIFA as the federation strongly opposes third-party interference. Back in 2022, FIFA imposed a ban on AIFF after a Supreme Court judgment ordered the removal of Praful Patel. The Asian Football Confederation also said that they are keeping a close eye on the latest developments on this issue. A senior AFC official from Kuala Lumpur said, “The delay in implementation of the constitution and complete shutdown of football operations is not helping anyone. As things stand today, I would not be surprised if FIFA takes a tough stance and suspends AIFF. They suspended them in 2022 for third-party interference.”

Several ISL clubs have shut down their operations

The uncertainty in the future of the Indian top flight has put the livelihoods of so many people at stake, from players, coaches, media, medical staff and a lot more. Moreover, many ISL clubs, including the likes of Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC and former I-League and ISL cup winners Bengaluru FC, had to suspend their operations temporarily. The AIFF President, in a previous press conference, assured that the ISL and Super Cup would take place this year, but such verbal assurance does no good to any ISL clubs. Many foreign players like Javi Hernandez, Lukas Brambilla and many more have left ISL clubs to join new clubs abroad. Many ISL clubs even skipped the Durand Cup and might even consider skipping the Super Cup if there is no clarity on the future of ISL.

How could this ban affect Indian Football?

This ban will not only harm the Indian national football team, but also many Indian clubs will be badly affected too. The senior men's national team will play their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier fixture against Singapore. Anything other than a win could prove fatal to India's ambitions. Historically, the women's team are just a step away from creating history by making their way to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 if they manage to finish among the top six in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. Two ISL clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa, will represent India at the AFC Champions League 2, the second biggest continental club tournament in Asia.

So many things are at stake for the Indian football fraternity, and another FIFA ban could severely affect all of them.