Centre moves SC for modification of order on elections to AIFF executive committee

FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have "strong reservations in the member structure of AIFF". The application filed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said, "it is respectfully submitted that the membership structure in the order dated August 3, 2022, appears to be not meeting the approval of FIFA/AFC, which aspect, if not resolved with the modification in the aforesaid order dated August 3, may defeat the very purpose for which such exercise was so kindly initiated by this court".

It added, "that from a collective reading of correspondences, it emerges that FIFA/AFC have strong reservations in the membership structure of AIFF". It said, "That in the light of forestated development, it appears that notwithstanding the best efforts of the CoA, this court and the cooperation extended by other stakeholders, the inclusion of new members (36 sports persons) into the membership structure of AIFF, the desired purpose may not have been achieved requiring a fresh look into this aspect by this court so as to facilitate the prime objective of retaining the hosting rights of the women's U-17 World Cup".

The Centre sought modification of the order dated August 3, to the extent of stating that interim arrangement of elections to the executive committee of the AIFF be held as per the time schedule already indicated in the order and "on the basis of the pre-existing membership structure of the AIFF". It further prayed, "Modify the order dated August 3, to the extent of stating the draft constitution as it stands on the date of elections, shall be subject to the finalization only after taking into consideration the objections of all relevant stakeholders and after further taking into consideration, the response of the