FIFA's Decision To Suspend India Unfortunate: Committee Of Administrators

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) on Tuesday said it was "surprised" at 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.

"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.

This is the first time the AIFF has been banned by FIFA in its 85-year existence, with the Bureau of the FIFA Council saying there have been "flagrant violations of the FIFA Statutes".

The CoA said in its statement, "It was also suggested by FIFA through the Sports Ministry that the EC may consist of 23 members, including six eminent players.

"The 17 members (inclusive of the President, a Secretary General, a Treasurer, one Vice President, and one Joint Secretary)