New Delhi. The Committee of Administrators (COA) on Tuesday said it was shocked by FIFA’s unfortunate decision to ban the All India Football Federation after coming close to reaching a consensus on issues like elections and constitutional framework. In a major blow to India, world football’s supreme governing body FIFA on Tuesday suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) citing unnecessary interference by a third party and stripped it of the hosting rights for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in October.
The COA said in a statement, “The COA is surprised that FIFA’s decision has come at a time when intensive negotiations were going on between all the parties including FIFA, AFC, AIFF, COA and Sports Ministry as per the order of the Supreme Court.” It said, “The COA is committed to follow the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated August 3, 2022 regarding the elections of AIFF and talks were going on with all the parties.
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It further said, “In the discussions going on between all the parties for the last few days, it was suggested that the current elections of the AIFF Executive Committee should be held with the voter list of representatives from 36 states.”
COA said in a statement, “FIFA also suggested through the Sports Ministry that the Executive Committee can have 23 members including six experienced players. Among the six players, there should be four men and two women and 17 members will be elected by the voters. The Executive Committee can nominate the players and they will also have the right to vote.”
“In view of this, the COA is surprised by FIFA’s decision to ban Indian football while discussions were ongoing to find the best solution to the matter,” the statement said.
Tags: FIFA, Sports news
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 16, 2022, 20:23 IST