Indians urge FIFA to lift ban as politicians line up for AIFF presidential race

August 25: The Indian Football Federation (AIFF) has asked FIFA to lift the federation's suspension after control of day-to-day business was returned to the governing body.

Last week, FIFA decided to suspend the AIFF for third-party interference under Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes after India's Supreme Court dismissed AIFF President Praful Patel in May and appointed a committee of trustees to run the federation, amend the constitution and call new elections.

However, with the Supreme Court returning administrative control to the AIFF on Monday, India's governing body has asked FIFA to lift the suspension, particularly in an attempt to salvage the U-17 Women's World Cup.

"We call on FIFA...to reconsider its decision to suspend the AlFF," wrote AIFF Acting General Secretary Sunando Dhar in a letter to FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura .

"Given that the conditions set out in your letter for the lifting of the suspension stand have been met, we request that an order to this effect be passed at the earliest so that the AIFF can continue to ensure the smooth functioning football in India."

India was supposed to host the junior competition in October, but due to the suspension, FIFA deprived the country of the rights to host the tournament.

The ban has also impacted Indian clubs due to participation in international matches. Gokulam Kerala has been banned from participating in the AFC Women's Club Championship in Uzbekistan and the Blue Tigers' matches against Vietnam and Singapore have been called off.

But the AIFF may soon be back on track with elections scheduled for early September. Local media are reporting that Kalyan Chaubey (pictured), a former goalkeeper and BJP leader of Bengal, has been put forward to contest the election and succeed Praful Patel in a sign that the country's ruling political party is firmly taking control of the game Indian. /p>

Chaubey is a politician who asks whether his candidacy in itself constitutes political interference? Although there are many examples around the world of politicians running their national football federations, the recent history of Indian government interference in the national federation will certainly keep FIFA watchers on the alert in the second most popular nation. populated by the world.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1661485353labto1661485353ofdlr1661485353owedi1661485353sni@i1661485353tnuk.1661485353ardni1661485353mas1661485353