FIFA Lifts The Ban Imposed On The All India Football Federation (AIFF)
FIFA Lifts Ban on AIFF (Image Source: Twitter)
On 15 August 2022, the Indian Football fraternity was in utter shock when FIFA put a ban on them with immediate effect. FIFA confirmed the news with a press release as they took the decision because of undue influence from third parties. Now, on 26 August 2022, the All India Football Federation had relief as FIFA lifted the imposed ban on them.
They took the decision after the Supreme Court terminated the mandate of the Committee of Administrators (CoA). The Indian Football Board also shared the same news on their official Twitter account. They shared the news with a caption: “FIFA lifts suspension; Under 17 Women’s World Cup as scheduled.” Now, India will be able to host the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in October 2022.
Here is the shared Tweet:
https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1563221688413671424
It remains #IndianFootball's greatest loss in the last 11 days, and Indian Football owes an apology to the talented girls who had trained so hard for this event.
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 27, 2022
“It’s time to change the system,” – Bhaichung Bhutia on FIFA lifting the ban on AIFF
Talking to PTI, former India Football Great, Bhaichung Bhutia said that it is great news for Indian Football. However, they should change the current system. He said: “It’s wonderful news. I welcome the decision of FIFA to lift the suspension on AIFF. It’s a win for Indian football, nothing else,”
He also added that now young players will bet the chance to test themselves against the world’s best in the upcoming event. Bhutia added: “I am extremely happy for our young players as they will now be able to play against the best in the business in their age group in the Women’s U-17 World Cup. It’s also the time to learn lessons and bring in changes and reforms in the Indian football administration. We need changes in the system,”
Meanwhile, the Indian Football Board also shared an apology post after this ban lasted for the last 11 days. In the official statement, the AIFF acting General Secretary Sunando Dhar said: “The darkest hour of Indian Football is finally over. The suspension that was slapped on midnight of August 15 on the AIFF, has been lifted by FIFA. We sincerely thank FIFA and AFC, especially the AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John for guiding us in such difficult times. We also take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur Ji for solidly standing by us at this crucial juncture.”
