Financial grant: States want AIFF to take a leaf out of BCCI book

The All India Football Federation's member associations have asked its parent body to take a leaf out of the BCCI's book when it comes to granting monetary aid to affiliated states. The world's richest cricket board was cited as example by the member associations during the AIFF's Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held last Saturday in Mumbai.

"Some members cited examples of BCCI's support to the state associations in terms of financial support, and urged the AIFF to help them with adequate funds to continue the development of football in their respective states," an federation insider told PTI on conditions of anonymity. AIFF president Praful Patel said the matter will be "reviewed for sure", but at the same time he also urged the associations to build on a working relationship and seek support from their respective state governments.

Patel also pointed out the support from the governments in Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala and West Bengal for the development of football. During the AGM, Patel said that the AIFF will be sanctioning financial grant to the state associations.

"Under exceptional circumstances, we did offer a COVID solidarity fund last year, and we will be working on our budget to stand with the state associations again this year," he said. Meanwhile, it is learnt that N A Harris, the president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), wanted the AGM to pass a special resolution that allows Patel to continue for a fourth term as AIFF chief, a suggestion that was rejected by the incumbent as it is in violation of the Sports Code.

AIFF sources said Harris had argued that the AGM being the most powerful body had the power to pass a resolution. Some members had raised the matter of election, which has