FIFA's decision to suspend India unfortunate, says surprised CoA

FIFA's "unfortunate" decision to ban the All India Football Federation despite closing in on a consensus on matters concerning the elections and structure of constitution. In a massive setback for the country, world football governing body FIFA suspended India for "undue influence from third parties" and said the U-17 Women's World Cup "cannot currently be held in India as planned". "The CoA is surprised that the FIFA decision has come when extensive discussions were going on for the past few days between all stakeholders, including FIFA-AFC, AIFF, CoA, and the Sports Ministry as per the Order of the Supreme Court," the CoA said in a statement.

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There was palpable tension among top players as well as prominent ISL and I-League clubs after the FIFA ban on Indian football due to "third party interference".

"While the CoA was committed to implement the Hon'ble Supreme Court's Order regarding the elections of the AIFF, passed on August 3, 2022, it was also in constant dialogue with all stakeholders. "In the discussions held among the FIFA-AFC, AIFF, CoA, and the Sports Ministry in the past few days, it was suggested that the present elections of the AIFF Executive Committee may be conducted with the Electoral College consisting of 36 state representatives." The country is scheduled to host the women's age-group FIFA tournament from October 11-30.

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The Centre on Tuesday sought urgent hearing in the Supreme Court on the All India Football Federation matter in the wake of FIFA suspending India for "undue influence from third parties" and stripping the country of the right