New Delhi (The Stellar News): Football’s world governing body FIFA has suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over what it terms “undue influence from third parties” (read the government and courts of law). With this, the AIFF has lost the hosting rights of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October, and all Indian teams, including clubs, are now banned from participating in international competitions. In a statement, FIFA said it wanted the AIFF administration to “be fully in charge of the AIFF’s daily affairs”.
The first direct hit of the suspension has already been felt: Indian Women’s League champions Gokulam Kerala FC, currently in Tashkent to take part in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Club Championship, are anxiously waiting to know what lies in store for them. The team is scheduled to play matches on August 23 and August 26. The team’s last hope for participation in the tournament is the review petition filed by the Sports Ministry, to be heard by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
